Russia bans LGBTQ ‘propaganda’, including on social media

Russia has enacted a new law banning LGBTQ ‘propaganda’ in media, advertising, and social media. The legislation extends restrictions to adults with significant fines or business suspension for Russians, and expulsion for foreigners. Regulations also apply to films promoting nontraditional sexual relations, with strict penalties for individuals and organizations. Roskomnadzor, the country’s internet regulator, will enforce the law.

A new Russian law bans ‘propaganda’ about ‘nontraditional sexual relations’ in the media, advertising, or on social media. The new law extends the ban on ‘propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations’ among minors, in place since 2013, to adults, with steep fines or suspension of business activities for Russians, and expulsion from the country for foreigners who are found guilty. The law also prohibits the issuance of a rental or streaming certificate for films promoting nontraditional sexual relations and preferences.
The new law imposes fines for ‘propaganda’ of nontraditional sexual relations or preferences to about US$6,400 for citizens and US$80,000 for organisations. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s internet regulator, is tasked with the enforcement of these rules.