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WATCH: Calvin Klein Ad Being Investigated as 'Gay Propaganda' in Russia

WATCH: Calvin Klein Ad Being Investigated as 'Gay Propaganda' in Russia

calvin klein, russia, gay propaganda

Russian authorities say they have received complaints that a Calvin Klein ad features "gay propaganda." 

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A Calvin Klein ad featuring same-sex couples is generating controversy in Russia, where authorities claim they have received multiple "gay propaganda" complaints from citizens, reports the U.K.'s PinkNews.

The ad for the CK2 fragrance features two same-sex couples, but only the straight couples in the video share a kiss. In a statement about the ad, Calvin Klein officials said it was "embodying the thrill of life and celebrates the diversity of connections between two people," reports PinkNews.

In January, LGBT Russians scored a rare win when a parliamentary committee didn't advance a bill that would have fined same-sex couples for kissing and other public displays of affection. It would have imposed fines of $50 to $65, plus jail time up to 15 days if the act took place near a school or another institution serving young people.

The "gay propaganda" law aims to prevent minors' access to information that could "push [them] to nonconventional sexual relationships, which in their turn prevent from building a family, as it is traditionally understood in Russia," the nation's highest court ruled in upholding the country's ban on so-called LGBT propaganda in 2014. The law was passed in 2013.

Russian authorities are currently investigating the company to determine if it has broken the "propaganda" law. If found guilty, Calvin Klein could be fined up to 1 million rubles, reports PinkNews.

Watch the full advertisement below.

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Yezmin Villarreal

Yezmin Villarreal is the former news editor for The Advocate. Her work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Mic, LA Weekly, Out Magazine and The Fader.
Yezmin Villarreal is the former news editor for The Advocate. Her work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Mic, LA Weekly, Out Magazine and The Fader.