Russian lawmaker proposes criminal sanctions for LGBT "propaganda"

(MENAFN) Amendments to the bill prohibiting "LGBT promotion" in Russia might include harsher penalties beyond fines and deportation, as well as the inclusion of theaters and big entertainment facilities, according to a senator on Friday.

“We have absolutely no coverage of theatrical activities, and here we will think about entertainment and mass events, we will think about this topic for the second reading, we are preparing amendments,” Nina Ostanina, the head of the State Duma committee on family issues, informed Ria Novosti.

He also stated, “It is not enough to be limited only to administrative fines. We once again insist on the introduction of amendments to the Criminal Code and we will talk about criminal punishment in the second reading.”

The initial draft of the measure, introduced by media regulator Roskomnadzor and unanimously approved by the Duma on Thursday, prohibits the dissemination of 'LGBT propaganda' in the media, online, in books, films, 'audio-visual services,' and commercials. Fines of up to 400,000 rubles ($6,500) for individuals and up to five million rubles ($81,500) for legal corporations are proposed, as well as deportation from Russia for international violators.

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