Russian Parliament to Consider Ban Against Gay Propaganda

A bill that would impose fines for the promotion of "homosexual propaganda" to minors has been submitted to the lower house of Russia's parliament, after a similar measure adopted in St. Petersburg prompted an international outcry.

The Associated Press reports on the bill submitted to the State Duma on Thursday by lawmakers from the Novosibirsk region, who claimed that media promote gay life as "normal." The measure calls for fines of up to $16,500 for "spreading homosexual propaganda" among minors, and for a fine up to $33,000 for material promoting pedophilia.

Similar legislation was enacted in St. Petersburg last month. Activists fear it could be applied broadly to ban public demonstrations, and the international community has spoken against the law. Madonna vowed to speak out against the law when she performs in the city this August.