Russia Passes Law Banning “LGBT Propaganda” Among Adults
November 24, 2022Russia’s lower house of parliament has passed a law banning so-called “LGBT propaganda” to all adults.
Under the new legislation, which had its third and final reading in the Duma on November 24, any event or act viewed as an attempt to “promote” homosexuality could result in a fine of up to 400,000 rubles (approximately $6,600) for individuals and 4,000,000 rubles (approximately $66,000) for legal entities.
Foreigners could be subjected to 15 days of arrest and possible expulsion from Russia.
The bill will now be forwarded to the Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) before President Vladimir Putin signs it into law.
As Gay Times report, Russians will be restricted from “praising” homosexuality or publicly suggesting that homosexuals are “normal” under the legislation. The proposed ban covers public acts, online content, film, books, and advertising.
“LGBT today is an element of hybrid warfare and in this hybrid warfare we must protect our values, our society and our children,” Alexander Khinstein, one of the law’s architects, said in October of this year.
The Equal Rights Coalition stated that the “so-called anti-propaganda law is a further attempt by the Russian authorities to create a climate of fear and intimidation, and restrict the freedom of expression of all Russians.”
The original version of the law was signed by Vladimir Putin in 2013 and put a ban on the promotion of all “non-traditional” sexual relationships among minors. It has since been used as justification to stop Pride marches, prevent minors from watching content with LGBTQ+ themes, and to detain activists.
Homosexuality has been legal in Russia since 1993 but LGBTQ+ people in Russia have faced ongoing societal challenges. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity are not prohibited by law, and no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people exist.
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Russia Prepares Tougher Anti-Gay Law
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Russia May Double Fines For “LGBTQ+ Propaganda”
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