Bills banning LGBT propaganda, pedophilia and on related fines submitted to Russian State Duma

MOSCOW. Oct 20 (Interfax) - A bill banning the propaganda of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) and pedophilia, the demonstration of LGBT-related information, and information inciting sex change among adolescents was submitted to the State Duma on Thursday.

According to the draft law, the changes will affect the Internet, mass media, books, audiovisual services, cinematography, and advertising.

The bill extends the list of information prohibited from dissemination among children: the propaganda and demonstration of non-traditional sexual relations and (or) preferences, as well as information which can make children to want to change their sex. The new changes also formally draw a distinction between the notions of "demonstration" and "propaganda."

The bill mandates a paid subscription and additional security features for access to television and radio content which is banned for children, and labelling of promo material for such content.

In addition, the bill prohibits advertising content containing information that demonstrates non-traditional sexual relations or preferences.

Propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations or preferences, including the propaganda of pedophilia, would be banned among Russian citizens, both adults and minors.

The initiative was co-authored by 390 Duma members, including all faction leaders and deputy speakers.

In all, five laws would be affected: "On information, information technologies, and information protection," "On mass media," "On protecting children from information which harms their health and development," "On advertising," and "On state support for Russian cinematography."

Another bill submitted on Thursday contains amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses.

LGBT propaganda would entail fines of between 50,000 - 400,000 rubles for individuals, 100,000 - 800,000 rubles for officials and 800,000 - 5,000,000 rubles or up to 90 days of suspended operation for legal entities.

The propaganda of pedophilia would entail fines of 200,000 - 800,000 rubles for individuals, 400,000 - 2,000,000 rubles for officials, and 1,000,000 - 10,000,000 rubles or up to 90 days' suspended operation for legal entities.

Fines for violating the ban on LGBT demonstration and information inciting sex change among adolescents: 50,000 - 200,000 rubles for individuals, 100,000 - 400,000 rubles for officials, and 800,000 - 4,000,000 rubles or up to 90 days of suspended operation for legal entities.

For foreign nationals and stateless persons, the penalty would be an administrative expulsion from the Russian Federation.