Russian deputies adopted amendments this Thursday, November 24, which considerably broaden the scope of a law prohibiting LGBT + "
propaganda
", in the midst of the Kremlin's conservative turn accompanying its military offensive in Ukraine.
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This new law, which is an expanded version of a much criticized 2013 text banning LGBT+ “
propaganda
” among minors, now prohibits “
promoting non-traditional sexual relations
” to all audiences, in the media, on the Internet, in books and in movies.
“Promoting non-traditional sexual relations is prohibited”
This broad scope, as well as the broad interpretation allowed by the vague concept of “
promotion
” raise fears of increased repression towards LGBT+ communities in Russia, who already face strong discrimination.
"
Promoting non-traditional sexual relations is prohibited (...) A ban on the promotion of pedophilia and gender change has also been introduced
," the head of the lower house of parliament (Douma) said in a statement. Vyacheslav Volodin.
"
The fines amount to 10 million rubles
" (about 160,000 euros) for offenders, he added.
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For the text to become law, it must still be validated by the upper house of Parliament, the Council of the Federation, and signed by President Vladimir Putin, which constitutes formalities.
The adoption of this new law comes after years of repression against LGBT+ communities, with the Kremlin presenting itself as the defender of "
traditional
" values in the face of a West presented as decadent.
In the context of the conflict in Ukraine, this law is also portrayed as a means of “
defending
” Russia against an assault by Western countries on the level of values.
This law “
will protect our children and the future of this country against the darkness spread by the United States and European countries.
We have our own traditions and values
,” Volodin said on Thursday.
The world of cinema and literature “concerned”
In addition to LGBT+ people, this law is also of concern to film and literary actors, who fear a strengthening of already very strong censorship.
The cult novel "
Lolita
", by Vladimir Nabokov, could for example be banned.
"
The sale of goods containing prohibited information
" will now be banned and "
films that promote relationships (+ non-traditional +, editor's note) will not receive a distribution certificate
", according to the Duma website.
