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Russian Ban on Gay PDA Killed

Russian Ban on Gay PDA Killed

Russia

A parliamentary committee rejected legislation that would fine and imprison same-sex couples for showing physical affection, including kissing.

Nbroverman

Russia's LGBT community scored a rare win this week when a parliamentary committee didn't advance a bill that would have fined same-sex couples for kissing and other PDAs. Gay and bisexual people would have been fined between $50 and $65 while displays of "non-traditional sexual relations" near schools or youth services would have resulted in jail time up to 15 days.

"We're glad the committee is resolved to reject this homophobic bill," Human Rights Watch's Russia program director Tanya Lokshina told Voice of America. "However, the parliament has yet to repeal the 'gay propaganda' bill which has done tremendous damage to Russia's LGBT people."

The so-called "gay propaganda" legislation has made it a crime to "promote" same-sex relations among minors, which has translated to public bans on pride festivals and other public LGBT events. Numerous LGBT Russians told Voice of America that anti-LGBT prejudice and attacks have increased since the "gay propaganda" law passed in 2013 and was signed by president Vladimir Putin.

Nbroverman
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Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.
Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.