Culture Editor
On Dec. 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new legislation that bans LGBTQ+ expression in public. The law now states that “propaganda” about “nontraditional” sexual relationships in the media, including advertisements, movies, books, and social media, is illegal. On Nov. 24, Russia’s parliament, the Duma, passed the legislation by a vote of 397 to 0. Additionally, the ban prohibits distributing media that may influence children “to want to change their sex.” Though Russia has prohibited LGBTQ+ media expression among children since 2013, the new law extends the ban to all adults. If Russian citizens violate the law, they may face steep fines of up to 6,400 dollars or suspension of business activities, and if a foreigner violates it, they face expulsion from the country. Fines for business organizations can be as high as 80,000 dollars.
(Sources: CNN, NY Times)