In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin has enacted a bill that prevents “non-traditional sexual relations” from being advocated to minors. The penalty for a violation of the newly passed law ranges from 4,000 rubles ($120) to 5,000 rubles ($150) for individuals. Legal entities and officials are fined at a higher rate. Additionally, legal entities may be suspended for 90 days. The penalty is higher when the promotion of non- traditional relations is done through social media websites. Proponents claim the goal of the law is to prevent children from being negatively influenced. However, critics disagree and state that the bill is part of a movement to “crackdown” on the gay community.
See Putin Signs Anti-Gay Bill Into Law, Russia RSS, Jun. 30, 2013.
