Putin's assault on LGBT rights

Submitted by Matthew on 23 November, 2011 - 2:16

Vladimir Putin’s ruling party is pushing a bill which would severely curtail freedom of speech and assembly for LGBT people in Russia.

The bill was proposed by the dominant United Russia party and passed a first reading on Wednesday 16 November. It will impose a maximum fine of $1,600 for “public actions aimed at propaganda for pederasty, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism among minors.”

Although homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, the Russian state has a recent history of shocking violence and repression against LGBT activists who campaign against homophobia and discrimination in Russian society.

The city authorities in Moscow have banned Pride marches under pressure from the Orthodox Church, although the European Court of Human Rights has ruled in favour of Moscow Pride’s right to take place.

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