Siberia passes anti-gay propaganda bill

Deputies intend to push legislation to a federal level

Russia’s third-largest city Novosibirsk is the latest to join in the criminalization of ‘gay propaganda’.

Deputies in Moscow have come forward saying they intend to push the initiative to a federal level. The law prohibits the promotion of gay, bisexual and transgender activity among minors.

Regional deputy for education Alexander Ilyushchenko said: ‘Today we are talking about protecting the majority of people who are not associated with homosexuality, to keep them from having to explain to their children that things like this happen’.

St. Petersburg enacted the anti-gay legislation in March, allowing for fines up to 500,000 rubles ($16,500 €12,400) for ‘spreading homosexual propaganda’ among minors.

The anti-gay propaganda law could also potentially prevent gay-related events including pride parades from taking place. Gay rights activists intend to hold a parade on 27 May to protest the legislation. Protests against the bill have already resulted in numerous arrests.

by Jean Paul Zapata
Source – Gay Star News