Gays lumped in with sex crimes

A bill has been introduced into the St Petersburg Legislative Assembly which would prohibit the “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism to minors” alongside “propaganda [of] paedophilia”.

The bill would impose fines of between $35 and $1600 for an organisation for each breach.

LGBTI group Coming Out Russia said the bill is about pushing the activities of LGBT advocacy groups behind closed doors.

“By combining homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality into one law with sexual crimes against minors … members of the Legislative Assembly indulge in gross manipulations of public opinion,” Coming Out Russia wrote.

“It is also obvious that adoption of this law violates [the] interests and rights of minors. Russia leads the world in the number of teenage suicides, and ignoring the issues of sexual orientation and gender identity can lead to tragic consequences.

“Organisers of public events cannot restrict access of minors to any open area; people under 18 can be there just by chance. Consequently, it makes any public campaigns aimed at reducing xenophobia and hate crime prevention impossible.”