WTF - New Proposed Russian Law Makes Homosexuality Illegal

A bill introduced in Russia's lower house will impose a five year prison sentence for anyone convicted of homosexuality.

Gay sex was illegal under the Soviets but was decriminalized in 1993 when Communism fell.
The legislation, introduced Monday by Deputy Nikolay Kuryanovich would bring back the old law, and make it a crime for gays to congregate - a provision that would bar gay pride parades or meetings.

How far Kuryanovich's bill will advance is unknown. As an Independent he does not have a party backing him but the measure has widespread support from former Communists and parties allied to the Russian Orthodox Church.

The bill is the latest in a series of attempts to stifle Russia's gay community.

Last month pride organizers filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Moscow and mayor Juri Lushkov at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France, over Lushkov's banning of a pride march last year. (story)
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