The Russian parliament is studying a bill that would impose fines of between 50,000 and 200,000 rubles (800 and 3,000 euros) for promoting homosexuality in the country, one of the initiative’s authors revealed on Wednesday.
Deputy Alexander Zinstein said on the social network Telegram that the respective bill, which provides for “administrative punishments for propaganda about homosexuality and child sex,” has been sent to the government for review.
“Currently, this penalty is aimed only at the promotion of homosexuality among minors,” he said, adding that representatives “want to extend it to any promotion of non-traditional sexual relations, regardless of age.”
The legislation is expected to be debated in the Russian parliament after the session resumes after it was suspended for the summer break.
If the crime is committed by a legal entity, the fine can reach one million rubles (about 16 thousand euros).
At the same time, if violations of the law are committed by foreigners, they may face administrative arrest or deportation.
In 2013, Russia passed a controversial law banning homophobic propaganda that was criticized by many human rights organizations.
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