Putin signs law expanding restrictions on gay 'propaganda'

Putin signs law expanding restrictions on gay ‘propaganda’, banning any information considered to ‘promote homosexuality’

• Vladimir Putin has signed a law that expands restrictions on gay ‘propaganda’
• A 2013 law banned ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations’ for minors
• New law expands the ban to spreading information about LGBT rights to adults

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that significantly expands restrictions on gay ‘propaganda’, banning activities and information considered to promote LGBT rights in the country.

A 2013 law banned what authorities deem to be spreading ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations’ to minors. The new law expands that ban to spreading such information to people aged 18 and older.

The new law outlaws advertising, media and online resources, books, films and theatre productions deemed to contain such ‘propaganda’.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law that significantly expands restrictions on gay ‘propaganda’. Pictured, Putin delivering a speech during the #WeAreTogether volunteer forum at the Manezh Central Exhibition Hall in Moscow, Russia, December 5, 2022

It also broadens the existing restrictions by banning information about gender transitions to be spread to minors and bans information deemed to be propaganda promoting paedophilia.

Violations are punishable by fines and, if committed by non-residents, could lead to their expulsion from Russia.

The fines range from 100,000 roubles (£1,300) to 4 million roubles (£52,000). For some violations, foreigners could face 15 days’ detention prior to expulsion.

The law does not make violations a criminal offence — Russian law stipulates that the criminal code can be amended only through an independent Bill. Some politicians have suggested they favour such a measure.

Authorities have already used the existing law to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists. Pictured, law enforcement officers block participants of the LGBT community rally “X St.Petersburg Pride” in Saint Petersburg, Russia, August 3, 2019

The Kremlin did not immediately announce Putin’s signature on Monday, but it was shown on a copy of the measure published on the website of the Duma, the lower house of parliament.

It comes as the Kremlin exerts increased pressure on minority groups and opponents of Putin at home, quashing independent media groups and further stifling free speech as Moscow ramps up a decade-long campaign to promote what it says are ‘traditional’ values.

Authorities have already used the existing law to stop gay pride marches and detain gay rights activists.

Rights groups say the new law is intended to drive so-called ‘non-traditional’ LGBT lifestyles led by lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people out of public life altogether.

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