It's not clear whether the kiss two female Russian runners shared at the IAAF World Athletics Championships over the weekend was a congratulatory peck or a political statement but it could get them both in big trouble with the government.
After winning gold in the women's 4x400-meter relay at the IAAF Championships in Moscow Saturday, Russian team members Kseniya Ryzhova and Tatyana Firova kissed on the podium. Afterward, all four women locked lips.
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None of the athletes has issued a statement about the lip-lock, but some speculate that the gesture was in protest of
Russia's new anti-gay law that bans gay propaganda and imposes hefty fines on violators.
The Russian runners could, in theory, face prosecution because the kiss could be construed as spreading propaganda, what with the presence of the audience and cameras.
Russia will play host to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi, where organizers claim all participants will be free from discrimination.
"I can say once again that the freedoms of Russian and foreign athletes and guests who come to Sochi will be absolutely protected," Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko said at a news conference Sunday.
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