Thread: RT coverage on gay rights in Russia

Originally Posted by 14Russian

Yet, you've said so three times but keep replying.

One thing Hanna said which is accurate and that is the importance placed on this issue. It's a hyped up public relations/political and propaganda-fuelled movement which accomplishes a couple of things. One, a distraction away from other crucial issues and two, it allows this distraction at home (in Russia) to give something for Mr. Pootin to pretend he's strong about issues.

Imho, the best response is to ignore the expression (if you don't like it) and not fund it whatsoever. The mistakes made in the West was to involve the State/Government and promote and fund organizations. For e.g., in schools and parades are paid for by the Government. Once the Government is funding and promoting a 'side', that is where you get your propaganda. Russia doesn't have to concern themselves with that..... um, wait.... Russian State TV (Russia 1 etc.) is showing.... ?????!?? Oh yeah, no one here is commenting on that. Instead, the same rhetoric is repeated (both sides) - so boring.

I agree. But they can only push that agenda at public schools. A lot of private schools (and even some public schools) ignore the gay agenda. My school doesn't even discuss the gay lifestyle.

@ ANYONE THAT WANTS TO UNDERSTAND RUSSIAN LAWS:

What most Americans understand about the new law in Russia:
It's an anti-gay law that Putin imposes on the people and he hopes he can eliminate all the gays in Russia.
That's NOT THE TRUTH but it's what a lot of Americans are saying.

The Truth about the new law in Russia:
The law makes it illegal to promote non-traditional relations for minors. Also, it is a law that agrees with Russian culture and 74% of Russians agree with the law.
Since I plan to go to Russia someday, it's important to understand the language, the culture, and the laws.

This is a collection of information I found online about sex laws in Russia. I removed all positive/negative comments.
If there are any mistakes in the data, please let me know.

A BRIEF LOOK AT THE CURRENT RUSSIAN SEX LAWS:
The age of consent currently stands at 16 since 2003, regardless of sexual orientation.
Male homosexual acts were decriminalized in 1993, -- Female homosexual acts were never considered an issue and "Tomboy" behavior was condoned even in Tsarist Russia.
Transsexual and transgender people can change their legal gender after corresponding medical procedures since 15 November 1997.
Homosexuality was officially removed from the Russian list of mental illnesses in 1999.
Active gay males are allowed to donate blood to blood banks since 16 April 2008.
There is currently no legal recognition of same-sex couples in Russia, and same-sex marriages are not allowed. Public support for gay marriages is 16% in 2013.
Only married heterosexual couples can adopt children together, as a couple. -- Single parent homosexual adoptions were banned 3 July 2013.
Gay people can serve in the military on a par with heterosexual people since 2003. -- They can serve openly but discretion is advised for safety.
There are no laws protecting against discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE NEW LAW:
Since 2006, ten regions have enacted a ban on "propaganda of non-traditional relations among minors". As of May 2013:

Ryazan Oblast - since 22 April 2006
Arkhangelsk Oblast - since 22 October 2011
Kostroma Oblast - since 28 February 2012
Saint Petersburg - since 30 March 2012
Magadan Oblast - since 30 June 2012
Novosibirsk Oblast - since 3 July 2012
Krasnodar Krai - since 19 July 2012
Samara Oblast - since 22 July 2012
Bashkortostan - since 5 August 2012 ---- The only region where the law does not include any kind of administrative sanctions or fines.
Kaliningrad Oblast - since 19 February 2013. ---- The bill bans propaganda of non-traditional relations among the entire population, regardless of age.

In June 2012, Moscow courts enacted a hundred-year ban on gay pride parades.
On 11 June 2013 the State Duma (lower legislative house) adopted a federal law banning propaganda of non-traditional relations.
On 26 June 2013 the Federation Council of Russia (upper legislative house) voted in the new anti-propaganda law.
On 30 June 2013 President Vladimir Putin signed the bill into law. -- A bill passed by both houses of the Russian Parliament (see above).

THE INTENT OF THE LAW:

Russia’s Supreme Court upheld a controversial regional ban on “gay propaganda,” (in St. Petersburg) but said it only covers the direct promotion of homosexual relations among minors, LGBT activists said on Thursday.
Informing minors about homosexual relations is also allowed as long as the information remains neutral in tone, the court said in a ruling passed in mid-August but not publicized until this week.

Russian Supreme Court Defines ‘Gay Propaganda’ | Russia | RIA Novosti

^ The problem with this article is that the law says "non-traditional relations" NOT "homosexual relations.". But it should be easy to see that the intent of the new law is only to prevent people from PROMOTING non-traditional relations to minors. That is all.

VIOLATIONS:
On 22 July 2013 it was reported that four Dutch tourists were arrested for discussing gay rights with Russian youths. The four were arrested for spreading propaganda of nontraditional relationships among the under-aged after talking to teens at a camp in the northern city of Murmansk.

INCIDENTS:
Anti-gay violence at the gay pride parades in Russia.
Increased homophobia in Russia has led to several incidences where gay minors have been attacked by Neo-Nazi groups. -- Neo-Nazi groups are illegal under Russian law.
It should be understood that Anti-gay people and Neo-Nazis exist in almost every country. Violence against gay people is world-wide, not just in Russia. It has even been "swept under the rug" by authorities in America - even recently. I can provide news links for those incidents too.

MY CONCLUSIONS ABOUT THE SOCHI OLYMPICS:
Unless somebody goes to the Olympics to promote non-traditional relations to underage kids then nobody will be arrested. My advice is to go to the Olympics to watch the Olympics and have fun - not push agendas. Oh, and try to show some gratitude and respect to the country that is hosting the games - Russia.
And let the kids have fun at the games too - without adults pushing sex agendas at them.
Also, those Dutch adults had no right to talk to underage kids about sex. That right belongs to the parents and the schools.

Originally Posted by UhOhXplode

I agree. But they can only push that agenda at public schools. A lot of private schools (and even some public schools) ignore the gay agenda. My school doesn't even discuss the gay lifestyle.

Good post. It seems that the violence and expressed hostility is only a fraction of the population but the mainstream media makes it sound like there's a hostile agenda against that part of the population. Like I said, it is political spin and there's two points here: 1) exaggerated and manipulated political spin and 2) the contradictory position from the Russian government.

Btw, I think those two pictures were beauties to sum up this political forum. The left-wingers always look for strawmen and really can't discuss political issues rationally.

I don't think having 'propaganda' laws are the right approach but it's up to Russians to decide. I just hope Russians don't blame the citizens of other countries when the Governments of those countries speak out against Russia. For instance, Canada's politicians are doing a lot of lecturing right now so I can assure Russians that these clowns are a problem there.