Gay rights activists 'strip' while staging protest in Russia

Gay rights activists stage a protest evoking the hate crimes and humiliations that are motivated by homophobia in Russia, in Antwerp, Belgium. (AP Photo)

When the Sochi Winter Olympics begin on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014, many will be watching to see whether Russia will enforce its law banning gay propaganda among minors if athletes, fans or activists wave rainbow flags or speak out in protest. (AP Photo)

Russia's leading gay rights campaigner Nikolai Alexeyev runs away from a plain clothes policeman during a protest outside the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games organizing committee office, in downtown Moscow. (AP Photo)

Gay rights activists carry rainbow flags as they march during a May Day rally in St. Petersburg, Russia. (AP Photo)

Riot police guard gay rights activists who were beaten by anti gay protesters during an authorized gay rights rally. (AP Photo)