SOVIET BLOCKHEADS

Russian Courts Uphold, But Restrict St. Petersburg’s Gay-Propaganda Ban

Russia’s Supreme Court has upheld the gay-propaganda ban passed in St. Petersburg earlier this year, but clarified that it can only be applied to direct appeals to minors to engage in homosexual activity.

The ruling means Pride parades and rallies for LGBT rights are legal, even though participants in both have been arrested since the city passed its ordinance.

Currently the fine for individuals promoting homosexuality to the under-aged is between 3,000 and 5,000 rubles ($100-$160), though organizations found guilty can be fined up to 50,000 rubles ($1,600).

Interestingly, according to Jurist.org, information about homosexuality “can still be provided to minors as long as it is neutral in tone.”  Of course “neutral” is a contentious term: Would providing safe-sex materials to gay teenagers be considered neutral or an appeal to engage in gay sex?

We can’t even agree on that one in the good ol’ U.S. of A.

Source: Jurist.org via Think Progress

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