The Russian State Duma has adopted the notorious new law banning “LGBT+ propaganda”. The restrictions will mainly affect literature, cinema, news outlets, and other online resources, for example—a website of a queer rights foundation or a queer-owned small business
The “propaganda distributors” will face a fine—up to $6600 for a citizen or up to $83K for legal entities. Separate fines threaten the Russian trans community for “propaganda that can cause minors to desire to change sex”—up to $3300 for a citizen or up to $66K for legal entities
For violating the ban on “LGBT+ propaganda”, foreigners and stateless persons will face deportation from Russia.
The law will come into force when it is approved by the Federation Council and signed by Putin, a specific date not yet known
The previous version of this ban prohibited “LGBT+ propaganda” among minors, which forced Russian book publishers and queer rights foundations to use the 18+ label. There are no criteria for what exactly is considered “propaganda” in either the old or the new version of the ban
Shortly before Russian deputies adopted a law banning “LGBT+ propaganda,” Mediazona discussed it with Russian queer activists and human rights workers.
Here are their stories
en.zona.media/article/2022/1…