Russia toughens anti-LGBTQIA+ law; fines can reach R$ 800 thousand

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a change to the 2013 anti-LGBTQIA+ law, which was already heavily criticized by human rights bodies. If before, the “promotion of homosexual content” to minors was prohibited, this now applies to adults, with the possibility of foreigners being deported.

The amendment to the anti-LGBTQIA+ law in Russia

In 2013, Russia passed a law that, in its text, prohibited the exhibition of content that “promotes homosexuality” to minors — based on the extremely prejudiced belief that exposure could cause confusion in children who are growing up and knowing more about your body during adolescence. In addition to banning content featuring characters from the LGBTQIA+ community, the law was widely used to end gay pride marches and detain activists.

Now, the most recent amendment, approved on December 5, 2022, now extends the law so that even content aimed at an adult audience cannot have access to publications with LGBTQIA+ characters – valid for books, films, advertising and audiovisual services. According to the Kremlin, content that has "the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations and preferences and sex change" and circulated in Russia will not only be deleted, but will also result in a fine for those responsible for its circulation.

It is not yet clear what the Russian government considers “propaganda of non-sexual sexual preferences”, but the fines are high: people can be forced to pay up to 400 rubles (R$ 33 in direct conversion). Anyone seen promoting “LGBT demonstrations and information that encourages gender change among teenagers” will be fined up to 200 rubles (R$16,5 in direct conversion).

Companies and other legal entities will have to pay much more: there is a possibility that a company could receive a fine of up to 10 rubles (R$800 in direct conversion). For this reason, films, series and other content with an LGBTQIA+ audience are expected to be unavailable in Russia.

Activists fear 'witch hunt'

A Russia is ranked the 46th most homophobic country in Europe according to a list of 49 nations made by ILGA-Europe and the passage of the highly controversial 2013 law change caused a lot of distaste. Activists fear that public figures from the LGBTQIA+ community will be persecuted in Russia and have to pay a hefty fine just for being themselves.

In 2017 the European Court of Human Rights considered that the 2013 law is not only discriminatory, but also promotes homophobia and violates the European Convention on Human Rights. Homosexuality ceased to be a crime in Russia in 1993, but homophobia and discrimination are still widespread.

Tanya Lokshina, associate director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, quoted that theThe 2013 'gay propaganda' law was a blatant example of political homophobia, and the new bill amplifies this in broader and harsher ways.”🇧🇷 The change is seen as one more action of Putin to end opposition, liberal values ​​and free speech.

Do you think the anti-LGBTQIA+ law na Russia can it get worse? Tell us us Comment!

See also other features

Discover the world of free LGBTQIA+ mobile games

With information: CNN