The Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner has said it is only “logical” to halt adoptions of Russian children by French couples due to the legalisation of same-sex marriage in France.

Echoing a statement made by President Vladimir Putin on the legalisation of same-sex marriage in France, Commissioner Pavel Astakhov said the change in law should mean an end to French couples adopting Russian children, regardless of their sexuality.

“It is evident that a moratorium should be imposed until [both countries’] legislation is brought into accord. This is logical,” he told press.

In the light of France having passed a bill to legalise equal marriage on 18 May, Putin said he was happy to consider changing agreements to block gay couples from adopting Russian orphans.

“I consider it fully correct to make changes to the appropriate documents. It is a current issue and we need to think about it,” said Putin in a meeting with lawmakers, going on to say foreign countries must respect Russia’s “cultural traditions and ethical norms.”

Mr Astakhov has previously said he would do all he could to avoid Russian orphans being adopted by gay couples.

On Wednesday, France’s first same-sex wedding ceremony took place in the city of Montpellier, with the presence of the world’s media. The marriage between Vincent Autin, a 40-year-old PR firm head, and his husband Bruno Boileau, a 29-year-old government worker, was described by the city’s mayor as “historic”.