NATIONAL POST: The mayor of Sochi says there are no gays in the Russian city that will host the Winter Olympics in less than two weeks. Anatoly Pakhomov said homosexuals were not accepted in the Caucasus — despite there being several gay bars in Sochi. Speaking to the BBC’s Panorama program, Mr. Pakhomov was asked whether gay people had to hide their sexuality in the city. “No, we just say that it is your business, it’s your life,” said the mayor. “But it’s not accepted here in the Caucasus where we live. We do not have them in our city.” Mr. Pakhomov, a member of President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, said gay people were welcome at the Games. “Our hospitality will be extended to everyone who respects the laws of the Russian Federation and doesn’t impose their habits on others”, he said. When pressed by Panorama reporter John Sweeney, who had visited a gay bar before the interview with the mayor, Mr. Pakhomov said he was not certain there were no gay people in Sochi, but added, “I am not sure, but I don’t bloody know them.” Boris Nemtsov, the leader of the opposition, dismissed the mayor’s claims. “As far as I know there are several gay clubs in Sochi,” he said. “How do they survive? Why they are not bankrupt?” MORE