LGBTQ ‘propaganda’ bill is approved

The upper house of Russia’s parliament on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill significantly expanding restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBTQ rights, the latest move in an ongoing crackdown on the country’s embattled LGBTQ community. The Federation Council quickly rubber-stamped the bill following its equally speedy approval last week by the lower house, the State Duma. It will now go to President Vladimir Putin who will sign it into law. A 2013 law banned what authorities deem to be spreading “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.

The new bill expands that ban to spreading such information to people age 18 and older. It outlaws advertising, media and online resources as well as books, films and theater productions deemed to contain such “propaganda.” Violations are punishable by fines between $1,660 and $33,000. Foreigners could face 15 days’ detention prior to expulsion.