Russia Adopts 'Anti Gay Propaganda' Law

Two Russian Interior Ministry officers lead away a gay rights activist during unsanctioned protest in front of the Duma, Russia`s lower house of parliament, in Moscow, Russia, 25 January 2013. EPA/BGNES

The Russian State Duma has adopted at first reading its controversial piece of legislation providing for fines for "homosexual propaganda" to kids.

The draft anti-gay propaganda act was tabled to the Russian Parliament (Duma) in March 2012. It provides for fines of RUB 4 000 – 5 000 for "propagating homosexualism" to children, BGNES reported citing international media.

The fines are higher for officials – RUB 40 000 – 50 000, and for corporate entities – RUB 400 000 – 500 000.

The legislation being pushed by the Kremlin and the Russian Orthodox Church makew it illegal nationwide to provide minors with information that is defined as "propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgenderism."

It includes a ban on holding public events that promote gay rights. St. Petersburg and a number of other Russian cities already have similar laws on their books.

The bill is part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values as opposed to Western liberalism, which the Kremlin and church see as corrupting Russian youth and by extension contributing to a wave of protest against President Vladimir Putin's rule, international media note.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!