Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday that significantly expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBT rights in the country.
A 2013 law banned what authorities believe spread “non-traditional sexual intercourse propaganda” to minors. The new law extends that prohibition to the disclosure of such information to people aged 18 and over.
The new law bans advertising, online media and resources, books, films and theater productions that are claimed to contain such “propaganda”.
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It also broadens existing restrictions by prohibiting the dissemination of information on gender transitions to minors and by banning information deemed propaganda that promotes pedophilia.
Violations are punishable by fines and, if committed by non-residents, could lead to their expulsion from Russia.
A view of the State Duma building, the lower house of Russia’s parliament, in central Moscow October 27, 2022. The Duma unanimously approved amendments toughening a notorious 2013 law on ‘gay propaganda’. The new law bans LGBT advertising, media, books, films and theater productions.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
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The fines range from 100,000 to 4 million rubles. For some violations, foreigners could face 15 days of detention before expulsion.
The law does not consider violations a criminal offence: Russian law states that the Criminal Code can only be changed through an independent bill. Some lawmakers have suggested favoring this measure.
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The Kremlin did not immediately announce Putin’s signature, but it was reported in a copy of the provision published on the website of the Duma, the lower house of parliament.
