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Russian Duma
Photo: KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP
The decision was unanimous: in the first reading, the Russian lower house voted in favor of tightening the law against »LGBT propaganda«.
In the future, among other things, the »denial of family values« should also be punished.
The Duma must now hold two more readings on "amendments to the legislation relating to the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" and then approve the House of Lords before President Vladimir Putin signs the new law.
These steps are usually a mere formality.
The law banning »LGBT propaganda« against minors came into force in 2013.
It provides for heavy fines if someone makes positive comments about homosexuals in the presence of minors.
Now this should also apply, among other things, to the "promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations" in adults and to the "denial of family values".
"Information that could lead to the desire for a gender change" in minors should also be prohibited.
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The law will apply to the media, internet, literature, cinema and advertising.
"Films promoting non-traditional sexual relationships will not get a license," the Duma warned.
Lawmakers claim they are defending morality against Western-promoted "un-Russian" liberal values.
Activists speak of an "absurd" attempt at humiliation and discrimination
Human rights groups point out that the measures aim to ban the representation of minorities such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in public life, for example to suppress demonstrations.
The organization LGBT Network called the bill an "absurd" attempt to humiliate and discriminate against the LGBT community.
"The legislature suggests that the adult, able-bodied population is unable to choose what to say, see and read," it said.
mfh/AFP/Reuters