President Vladimir Putin says Russia could change its agreements for the adoption of Russian children with France and other Western countries that are legalizing gay marriage.



Speaking at a meeting with lawmakers on April 26, Putin said he considers it "fully correct to make changes" to existing agreements.



Putin added that other states had to respect Russia's "cultural traditions and ethical norms." Valentina Matviyenko, the speaker of Russia's Federation Council -- the upper chamber of parliament -- told the meeting that amendments to the adoption agreement with France are now being prepared.



Russia banned U.S. adoptions of Russian children in retaliation for Washington's “Magnitsky Act,” a piece of legislation targeting Russian rights abusers.



Based on reporting by AFP, ITAR-TASS, and Interfax