So-called "LGBT propaganda" against minors has been banned in Russia since 2013. The Russian lower house now wants to further tighten the regulation: In future, the ban will also apply to the Internet, literature and advertising. Failure to comply could result in high fines.
The Russian lower house voted unanimously in its first reading to tighten the law against "LGBT propaganda". Parliament announced on its website that the vote "on changes to the legislation relating to the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" was unanimous. In the future, among other things, the "denial of family values" should also be punished. The Duma must now hold two more readings and then approve the upper house before President Vladimir Putin signs the new law. These steps are usually a mere formality.
The law banning "LGBT propaganda" against minors came into force in 2013. It provides for high fines if positive comments about homosexuals are made in the presence of minors. Now this should also apply to the "promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations" among adults and the "denial of family values". "Information that could lead to the desire for a gender change" in minors should also be prohibited. In the event of non-compliance, private individuals face fines of up to 1600 euros. Organizations can expect fines of up to 160,000 euros.
The law will apply to the media, internet, literature, cinema and advertising. "Films that promote non-traditional sexual relationships will not get a license," the Duma warned. LGBT is the English abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual.
