Russia’s deputy supports anti-gay bill

Russia's deputy prime minister has reportedly said that federal lawmakers should consider adopting a controversial anti-gay bill.

The bill which was tentatively approved by lawmakers in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city, in mid-November 2011 calls for a fine of up to $1 600 (about R12 640)for public actions that promote "pederasty, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism among minors."

Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that "there is nothing more disgusting that propaganda of such things" and that federal lawmakers "should think" about adopting the bill.

Gay rights activists say the bill could be used to ban any public actions by Russia's embattled and discriminated LGBT community.

(Sapa, December 2011)