RUSSIA: Activists Arrested As Duma Passes Ban On "Homosexual Propaganda"

Today the lower chamber of Russia's legislature passed a national ban on "homosexual propaganda." Such bans were already in existence is several regions and in the city of St. Petersburg. Towelroad reports that schoolboys attacked and kicked a gay activist as the bill was being considered.

The legislation, adopted on June 11, has been criticized by rights defenders as a way to oppress homosexuals amid rising homophobia. It bans "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" to minors by Russians, foreign citizens, and media organizations. In addition, it would ban gay pride rallies. Fines can be up to 1 million rubles ($31,000). Earlier on June 11, as the legislation awaited its final reading, police were deployed to break up clashes in front of the State Duma between gay-rights advocates and Christian activists. At least 20 rights activists and several antigay demonstrators were detained.

The bill now proceeds to the Federation Council and must be signed by President Vladimir Putin.