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.

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