Russia has remained firm in its enforcement of highly controversial antigay laws.

At least ten gay rights activists were arrested in Moscow while four were arrested in the St. Petersburg area as the Olympics kicked off in Sochi. All of the activists were displaying their support for the LGBT community in response to Russia's law banning gay "propaganda."

Human Rights First, an organization based in New York and Washington, D.C., pointed out that the Russian government's decision to arrest the activists was "alarming."

"Despite the international attention, the authorities are still bringing more charges under the law and it is being applied on a larger scale," spokesperson Shawn Gaylord said.

Four of the activists arrested were a part of All-Out, a group that has organized events in nearly two dozen cities, according to the AP.

"We just learned that 4 gay rights activists were arrested in St. Petersburg -- including All Out's long-term contact and friend Anastasia Smirnova -- for taking photos with a banner referring to Principle 6 of the Olympic Charter 'Discrimination is incompatible with the Olympic Movement,'" the group said in an e-mail to CBS News.

Anastasia Smirnova was one of the people arrested and she released a statement via her Facebook account.

"Can't write much as phones are not permitted, and they are now calling us to sign papers. Cosmic hugs to you from our police station! PS. Detention for a photo with a banner -- isn't it an amazing way to celebrate the Opening of the Games?"

The Olympics are finally underway after months of discussions about topics ranging from the cost of the Olympics to the LGBT issues in the area.

Do you think the arrests will cause tensions between Russia and other countries? Do you think Russia will continue to arrest more activists? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.