2 Fined Under Russia's 'Gay Propaganda' Law

[JI7]

Source: cnn

Those penalized include Lena Klimova, the creator of an online support group for Russia's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender teens, state-run RIA Novosti reported Friday.

Activists said Klimova, who set up the Children-404 group on the social networking website Vkontakte, faces a fine of up to 100,000 rubles (about $2,850), after an ultraconservative lawmaker urged authorities to look into the site.

Vitaly Milonov, who helped lead the push to enact the legislation, told RIA Novosti he made the request believing the group spurs teens to question their sexuality.

"Without such groups, no kids like that would exist," Milonov said.

Alexander Suturin was punished for a September article about a geography teacher and gay rights activist who said he was pressured into quitting his job and assaulted by neo-Nazis because of his sexuality, according to a RIA Novosti report.

Read more: http://chicago.gopride.com/news/worldfeed.cfm?gospeed=2569CA2C13F0698CA7215E8BB518F1EEO100948

[Behind the Aegis]

1. And so it continues....

[davidpdx]

2. Have there been other cases already?

This is the first one I've heard of. I'm not the least bit surprised though. Anyone could see it coming a mile away. I hate to say it, but I really want to see the Russians screw up and arrest people so they are outed for what they really are.

[Behind the Aegis]

3. There have been a few arrests.

I don't know how they ended, though. These are the first fines I am hearing of.

ETA: Oh, and two deportations...one to the Netherlands, the other I can't remember (or even if the threat turned into reality).

[joshcryer]

4. There has been from what I see an arrest a week.

On average.

Which means that Russia is likely invaded by aliens at this point.

[davidpdx]

11. That made me think of a good idea for a protester in Russia

Wear an alien mask with a sign that says "we're gay, not aliens".

[joshcryer]

12. I bet that happens at the Olympics.

I'll PM you if I come across it!

[joshcryer]

5. The biggest issue with the law is "internet activity" is seen as "spreading gay propaganda."

That is, something you do on an international communication mechanism is clearly violating Russia's moralistic anti-gay law. The fine, btw, is the biggest fine you can get under the law, and you can be arrested for it simply walking down the street with your smart phone reading a gay related article.

[Behind the Aegis]

6. The sad thing is some don't really understand what is happening there.

Actually, it isn't sad, it is fucking infuriating. I am actually worried things will get much worse after the Olympics.

[theHandpuppet]

7. Same here

I think once the Olympics is over we'll get the full picture of exactly how bad this will be.

[olegramps]

8. The lastest scap goat to deflect attention from a corrupt government.

[LiberalLovinLug]

9. I hope there is some kind of expression of support

by either some athletes or foreign country representatives. And while I would understand Russians not protesting out of fear of retribution, if there was ever a time to have an unsanctioned march, it would be while the world is watching.

I agree with others that I think it will get much much worse once all the cameras have left and Putin doesn't even have to pretend anymore.

[blkmusclmachine]

10. ,

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