Siberia Bans "Gay Propaganda"

The local legislature in Siberia has become the fourth Russian body to ban "gay propaganda." These laws effectively outlaw gay parades and publications. Bigger than the entire United States by one-third, Siberia is by far the largest region in Russia, comprising 77% of the nation's total area.

"It's mainly about various gay parades... about their promotion among minors. It's about preventing people who are not related to homosexuality from explaining to their kids what is going on," said Alexander Ilushchenko, who oversees a regional committee on culture, education, sports and youth policy. A law penalising "the propaganda of homosexuality and paedophilia among minors" came into force in St. Petersburg on March 17, prompting mixed reactions among Russians where anti-gay sentiment remains strong.

The Russian Orthodox Church is lobbying for a federal version of the ban.