Putin signs in expanded version of Russia’s Gay Propaganda Bill
It is now illegal to spread “propaganda” about “nontraditional sexual relations” to minors and adults across all Russian media, including movies and ads
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has signed into law an expanded version of Russia’s infamous Gay Propaganda Bill.
It is now illegal to spread “propaganda” about “nontraditional sexual relations” across all Russian media, meaning any positive public expression of LGBTQ existence is now illegal, and carries heavy fines.
The expansion was formalised on Monday [5 December 2022].
The bill, known as the law “for the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating a Denial of Traditional Family Values,” was first introduced in 2013.
It made illegal any positive depiction of LGBTQ people and lifestyles to minors, causing an international outcry. The new version applies to adults as well.
According to Reuters, the expanded version prohibits any action or spreading of information – in public, online, in films, books, cinema or advertising – considered an attempt to promote homosexuality.
As per CNN, individuals can now be fined up to 400,000 rubles for “LGBT propaganda”.
For legal entities, the maximum fine is 5 million rubles.
Tanya Lokshina, associate Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, commented on Monday: “The 2013 ‘gay propaganda’ law was an unabashed example of political homophobia. And the new draft legislation amplifies that in broader and harsher ways.”
The law passed the Duma, the Russian Parliament, by a vote of 397 to 0 on 24 November.
Since 2013, over 100 cases of people breaking the Gay Propaganda Law – for setting up Pride events, for example – have reportedly reached the courts.
“I’m used to living with various risks”
Earlier this year, Attitude interviewed a gay man about life in Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Sergy* not his real name told us: “As an LGBTQ+ person, I’m afraid. But I’m used to living with various risks.”
He furthermore added: “I’m secretive about my sexuality at work. I apply a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy to all personal matters. I’ve told colleagues I “used to have a girlfriend.'”