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Transgender former Italian MP released from custody in Sochi

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Italian transgender former lawmaker Vladimir Luxuria was released from a Russian prison Monday after being arrested for allegedly holding a pro-gay banner.

Luxuria, who was a member of Parliament, allegedly held a rainbow colored banner that read, "It's OK to be gay" in Cyrillic while attending the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, ANSA reported.

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Luxuria was arrested during the weekend.

Italy's Gay Center reported Luxuria said in a text message Monday, "I've been released and ... I'll [go back] to watching the Games.

Last year, Russia made it illegal to promote homosexuality.

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