AP, MOSCOWRussian President Vladimir Putin on Monday submitted a slew of new proposed amendments to the nation’s constitution that include a mention of God and describe marriage as a heterosexual union. Putin first proposed amending the constitution in January’s state-of-the-nation speech, saying it is necessary to broaden the powers of parliament and bolster democracy. Kremlin foes have described the proposed changes as part of Putin’s efforts to remain in charge after his six-year term ends in 2024. Another amendment describes marriage as a “union of a man and a woman,” a wording in sync with Putin’s long-stated opposition to same-sex marriages. The 67-year-old Russian leader has been in power for more than 20 years, making him the nation’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin.

Source: Taipei Times March 03, 2020 15:56 UTC