In a controversial move, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a two and a half month ban on protests at the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Putin is already facing heavy criticism for his role in creating a homophobic atmosphere in Russia, perhaps most notably from U.S. president Barack Obama, who said, "Nobody is more offended than me."

Russia already has a ban on "gay propaganda," and LGBT people face intense risks in the conservative nation. The ban also applies to online activity and citizens could face even harsher punishments if they promote LGBT rights online. The Russian president is now trying to extend that ban even further in a move that seems very much directed at LGBT and human rights activists. No "gatherings, rallies, demonstrations, marches and pickets" will be allowed between Jan. 7 and Mar. 21.

The Russian government seeks to downplay the negative PR, but this should be addressed by fixing the problem instead of covering it up. Considering the media frenzy we are seeing six months before the Olympics even start, one has to expect that the negative publicity will just intensify until it gets addressed.

Activist Nikolai Alexeyev told the Associated Press he would be petitioning the Supreme Court this week, arguing that the laws violate his freedom.

This news comes just one week after Russia assured the International Olympic Committee that LGBT people in the Olympics would be safe and respected. The IOC said that the reassurance was "comforting" but the developments this week have been far from that. As encouraging as it sounded last week, Russia still stood by the homophobic laws at the same time.

The difference this week is that Russia not only defended the law but also extended it.