Homophobic Sentiment on the Rise in Russia

St. Petersburg recently passed a law banning "homosexual propaganda"

Russia's embattled gay and lesbian community has had a lot to contend with in recent months. Earlier this year, the country's second city, St. Petersburg, passed a law banning "homosexual propaganda." The law's supporters claimed it was necessary to "protect children." Now, LGBT activists in the city can be arrested and fined for anything that is deemed to promote homosexuality.

Besides slamming the legislation for seemingly codifying homophobic attitudes, critics say it is very vague in its wording and open to abuse by the authorities. Other cities, such as Arkhangelsk and Ryazon, have also adopted comparable laws and a bill to introduce a similar regulation across the entire country has been put before the State Duma.