RUSSIA: Duma Committee Rejects Coming Out Ban

A committee of Russia’s lower national legislative chamber today rejected a bill that would have fined and/or jailed LGBT citizens for coming out. Radio Free Europe reports:

The bill, initiated by lawmakers from the Communist Party, called for a fine of up to 5,000 rubles (about $65) for publicly expressing personal “nontraditional sexual orientation.” According to the draft bill, the punishment would have been up to 15 days in prison for making such expressions at educational or cultural facilities for youth. The Duma committee rejected the draft bill on January 18. In 2013, the Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, passed a controversial law that bans the promotion of gay “propaganda” to minors.

Last week the bill’s chief sponsor, Communist Party MP Ivan Nikitchuk [inset], said that homosexuality “disgusts normal, smart, healthy people.” (Tipped by JMG reader Alan)