The Russian State Duma has approved Thursday in first reading a reform to toughen the law prohibiting LGTBI «propaganda», in such a way that it will criminalize the defense of non-traditional sexual relations before any age group — not only before minors — and will limit information that disavows «family values».
With this new law, the Russian authorities tighten the criteria established in a 2013 law that was already harshly criticized by Human Rights organizations, which now warn of a reinforcement of conservative positions in Russia taking advantage of the war in Ukraine.
The reform also contemplates the propaganda of pedophilia and information that encourages sex changes among teenagers, according to the Interfax news agency. The Government will have the power to close media or Internet pages that violate the law, as well as to expel foreign citizens.
The text must complete its passage through the Lower House before passing to the Federation Council, equivalent to the Senate, and to the desk of the President, Vladimir Putin, who is responsible for the final promulgation of the bill, although no surprises are expected at any of these stages.
