Parliament has unanimously passed a motion expressing support for the gay community in Russia.
Green MP Jan Logie moved the motion in Parliament on Thursday afternoon.
Ms Logie says the Winter Olympics in Sochi in February gives New Zealand MPs the opportunity to send a message to the Russian government about what she describes as its attacks on the rights of its gay citizens.
The motion asks that New Zealand athletes competing at the Games note the recent passage of anti-gay legislation in Russia.
It also asks the New Zealand Government to urge other governments and the Winter Olympics organising committee to protect of the rights of all people in Russia - regardless of their sexual orientation.
