In first reading, the Russian lower house has voted to tighten the law against “LGBT propaganda”. LGBT is the abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual. The vote “on changes to the legislation regarding the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” was unanimous, the parliament announced on its website on Thursday. In the future, the “denial of family values” should also be made a criminal offence.
The Duma now has two more readings and then the Senate to approve before President Vladimir Putin (70) signs the new law. These steps are usually just a formality.
Law gets much stricter
The law banning “LGBT propaganda” against minors came into effect in 2013. It provides for heavy fines if positive comments about homosexuals are made in front of minors. Now this should also include the “promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations” among adults and the “denial of family values”. Also “information that could lead to the desire for a sex change” in minors should be banned.
The law applies to the media, internet, literature, film and advertising. “Films that promote non-traditional sexual relations will not receive a certificate of approval,” the parliament warned. (AFP)