Russia to Impose Stringent Measures Against Gays, Including Fines for Those Propagating Homosexuality and Deportation for Foreigners
Headwinds will collide in Russia as parliament mulls to approve a new anti-gay law bill that not only seeks to arrest and imprison people for promoting homosexuality but also impose stringent fines. Foreigners who are members of the LGBT community don't hold international immunity and will be immediately deported.
On Tuesday, observers believe Russia's State Duma may adopt jointly in the second and third readings a one million roubles fine (AU$32,918) to be slapped on Russian nationals found guilty of promoting "non-traditional sexual relations" among children. Introduced to the Administrative Code, the new offence is called "Public propaganda of homosexuality among the underaged" in Russia.
Although the bill does not ban gay parades, Elena Mizulina, head of the State Duma's committee on affairs of family, women and children, said it does limit the LGBT. Their actions "will be possible but only in places, where presence of children is excluded absolutely."
Such as "in a field, in a forest."
If it was found that it is a foreigner who have violated the code, that person may be fined or arrested for up to 15 days and then later deported.
Ms Mizulina argued the bill meant to protect the children of Russia.
"We are not banning generally propaganda of homosexuality; among the adults or at special clubs - please, go ahead, and we are not introducing criminal responsibility for sodomy, as it used to be back in the times of the USSR," she was quoted by the Russia Beyond The Headlines.
If the Duma passes the law in its key second reading, Russia's President Vladimir Putin could have it enforced by end of the month.
Last week, Mr Putin had categorically expressed his stand against members of the LGBT community planning to adopt Russian children.
Read: Russia's Putin Says No to Child Adoptions by Foreign Gay, Same-Sex Couples