Russia moves to ban 'LGBT propaganda' among all ages

Oct 27 (Reuters) — Russian lawmakers backed a bill on Thursday that would expand an existing ban on the promotion of “LGBT propaganda” among children to include people of all ages, a move critics see as an attempt to further intimidate and oppress sexual minorities.

Russian lawmakers backed a bill on Thursday that would expand an existing ban on the promotion of “LGBT propaganda” among children to include people of all ages, a move critics see as an attempt to further intimidate and oppress sexual minorities.

Authorities have already used existing laws to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.

Under the new bill, passed unanimously on its first reading by the lower house State Duma, any event or act deemed to promote homosexuality — online, in film, in books, in advertising or in public — could incur a hefty fine.

Lawmakers say they are defending morality in the face of what they argue are “un-Russian” liberal values promoted by the West, but human rights groups say the moves are designed to outlaw representations of minorities such as lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBT) in public life.

Under the legislation, citizens could be fined up to 400,000 roubles ($6,500) for promoting “LGBT propaganda”.

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/russia-moves-ban-lgbt-propaganda-ages-rcna54294

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