Stephen Fry has called on British Prime Minister David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee to stop the 2014 Winter Olympics from taking place in Russia.

The outspoken journalist, author and television presenter said that Russian president Vladimir Putin "cannot be seen to have the approval of the civilised world."

In an open letter, Fry wrote "I am gay. I am a Jew. My mother lost over a dozen of her family to Hitler’s anti-Semitism. Every time in Russia (and it is constantly) a gay teenager is forced into suicide, a lesbian “correctively” raped, gay men and women beaten to death by neo-Nazi thugs while the Russian police stand idly by, the world is diminished and I for one, weep anew at seeing history repeat itself."

Fry was making reference to the reported beatings, murders and humiliations taking place against members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community which he said are being ignored by Russian police.

It is claimed the abuse was sparked by the anti-gay propaganda law passed by Putin in June which imposes fines or prison sentences on anyone who promotes "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations".

Fry's request comes in spite of a statement by Igor Ananskikhl, head of the Russian Duma Committee on physical training, sports and youth that the law would not be enforced during the games.

"The Olympics is a major international event. Our task is to be as politically correct and tolerant as we can be. That’s why we made the decision not to raise this issue during the Games,” Ananskikh said.

It comes as the US President Barack Obama has said he has no patience with any discriminatory policies.