St Petersburg passes ‘gay propaganda’ law
St Petersburg has joined three other Russian cities in passing a law that bans the promotion of gay and trans identities among minors, according to reports from Russia this morning.
It is feared the ‘gay propaganda’ law will be used to silence the gay community’s public voice by punishing the promotion of homosexuality and trangenderism alongside the promotion of paedophilia.
Local news sources say 29 city legislators voted for the bill, five voted against and one abstained.
The redrafted bill now imposes fines of up to 5,000 rubles (£107) on individuals and up to 500,000 (£10,700) on businesses for the promotion of homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender practices among minors.
270,000 people signed a petition against the law.
AllOut.org has begun a new petition targeting St Petersburg as a tourist destination.
The Don’t Go There letter has amassed 65,000 signatories and will be delivered to Governor Poltavchenko.
The letter says: “As the top custodian of Saint Petersburg, city of Tchaikovsky and Russia’s “window to the west,” we call on you to veto this draconian bill that could silence the speech of ALL Russians.
“Russia is a strong, independent country – but we all live in a globalized world. If this bill is signed in to law, I will not and cannot travel to Saint Petersburg, and will urge all of my friends and acquaintances to follow suit.”
