Background Russian gay propaganda law

yelena mizulina, author of law

despite fact cities of moscow , saint petersburg have been known thriving lgbt communities, there has been growing opposition towards gay rights among politicians since 2006. city of moscow has actively refused authorize gay pride parades, , former moscow mayor yuri luzhkov supported city s refusal authorize first 2 moscow pride events, describing them satanic , blaming western groups spreading kind of enlightenment in country. fair russia member of parliament alexander chuev opposed gay rights , attempted introduce similar propaganda law in 2007. in response, prominent lgbt rights activist , moscow pride founder nikolay alexeyev disclosed on television talk show К барьеру! chuev had been publicly involved in same-sex relationships prior time in office.

in 2010, russia fined european court of human rights under allegations alexeyev cities discriminating against gays refusing approve pride parades. although claiming risk of violence, court interpreted decisions being in support of groups oppose such demonstrations. in march 2012, russian judge blocked establishment of pride house in sochi 2014 winter olympics, ruling undermine security of russian society , , contradicted public morality , policies in area of family motherhood , childhood protection. in august 2012, moscow upheld ruling blocking nikolay alexeyev s requests 100 years worth of permission hold moscow pride annually, citing possibility of public disorder.

the bill on protecting children information harmful health , development introduced laws prohibited distribution of harmful material among minors. includes content may elicit fear, horror, or panic in children among minors, pornography, along materials glorify violence, unlawful activities, substance abuse, or self-harm. amendment law passed in 2012 instituted mandatory content rating system material distributed through information , telecommunication network (covering television , internet), , established blacklist censoring websites contain child pornography or content glorifying drug abuse , suicide.

the 2013 amendment, added propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships class of harmful content under law was, according government of russia, intended protect children being exposed content portrays homosexuality being behavioural norm . emphasis placed upon goal protect traditional family values; bill author yelena mizulina (the chair of duma s committee on family, women, , children, has been described moral crusader ), argued traditional relations between man , woman required special protection under russian law. amendment expanded upon similar laws enacted several russian regions, including ryazan, arkhangelsk (who repealed law shortly after passing of federal version), , saint petersburg.

mark gevisser writes kremlin s backing of law reflective of dramatic tilt toward homophobia in russia began in years preceding law s passage. gevisser writes law s passage allowed russian government find common ground nationalist far right, , appeal many russians view homosexuality sign of encroaching decadence in globalized era. writes: many russians feel can steady against cultural tsunami laying claim traditional values, of rejection of homosexuality easiest shorthand. message plays particularly government wishing mobilize against demographic decline (childless homosexuals evil) , cozy russian orthodox church (homosexuals children evil).