Russian parliament mulls over “gay propaganda” bill

Close to Russia’s parliament – the Duma – a gay and lesbian “kissing protest” is being held. The controversial issue of gay rights in Russia is being thrust into the spotlight. Activists are fighting a proposal by the ruling United Russia party for the Duma to ban gay propaganda among minors. But the vague wording is causing concern that gays could be fined for demonstrating or even holding hands in public. Homophobic attacks are becoming more frequent and even tolerated in some places. Anti-gay bills are also sometimes hijacked by politicians for career promotion.