Premium Content:

Russia may make it illegal to come out of the closet

Russia Kremlin Moscow

Two senior members of Russian parliament have introduced a bill that will punish those who come out as LGBTI with up to 15 days in jail.

- Advertisement -

Russian Communist MPs Nikolai Arefyev and Ivan Nikitchuk’s also extends to public affection between gay men, which will also be punished by jail time or fines under the proposed law. Public displays of affection between women will not be punished.

“We have our own idea of honour and conscience, and we must respect tradition,” Mr Nikitchuk told Russian News Service.

“The scum that comes to us from the West is unnatural to Russia. These unconventional sexual desires do nothing but disgust normal, smart, healthy people.”

The already established propaganda law already prohibits displays of LGBTIQ Pride, acts of which are punishable with jail time.

The fate of the bill will be decided on Tuesday January 19th.

OIP Staff

Latest

Shape shifting provocateur JXCKY on his ‘A Body for an Eye’ EP

The Melbourne based artist has a bold message about mental health in his latest music.

Help organise International Gynecological Awareness Day 2026

International Gynecological Awareness Day (IGAD) is marked each year on 10th September.

The Year in Review | August 2025

Check out all the news and events that happened in August 2025.

‘The SoccerActress’ is a one-woman show that combines storytelling, comedy and soccer

Catch this show that's been acclaimed around the globe.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Shape shifting provocateur JXCKY on his ‘A Body for an Eye’ EP

The Melbourne based artist has a bold message about mental health in his latest music.

Help organise International Gynecological Awareness Day 2026

International Gynecological Awareness Day (IGAD) is marked each year on 10th September.

The Year in Review | August 2025

Check out all the news and events that happened in August 2025.

‘The SoccerActress’ is a one-woman show that combines storytelling, comedy and soccer

Catch this show that's been acclaimed around the globe.

Join OUTdance for a game of Bingo

This February it'll be eyes down for an important fundraiser.

Shape shifting provocateur JXCKY on his ‘A Body for an Eye’ EP

The Melbourne based artist has a bold message about mental health in his latest music.

Help organise International Gynecological Awareness Day 2026

International Gynecological Awareness Day (IGAD) is marked each year on 10th September.

The Year in Review | August 2025

Check out all the news and events that happened in August 2025.