US social conservative group suspends plans for pro-family conference in Moscow

NEW YORK, N.Y. – A U.S.-based conservative group that supports Russia’s efforts to curtail gay rights and abortion is suspending its plans for an international conference in Moscow this September because of the turmoil related to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

The World Congress of Families, headquartered in Rockford, Ill., said Tuesday the uncertain political situation — including sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and some European countries — “has raised questions about travel, logistics and other matters” essential to planning for the conference.

Don Feder, a spokesman for the group, said it had not been determined whether the upcoming conference — World Congress of Families VIII — would be held at a different location or rescheduled for Moscow at a later date.