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MOSCOW, Nov. 23 (AP) — Russian lawmakers on Wednesday approved a crucial second reading of a bill that significantly expands restrictions on activities seen as promoting LGBT rights in the country.
A 2013 law prohibits what authorities believe is the distribution of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors.
The new bill extends the ban to dissemination of such information to persons 18 and over.
The bill must pass its third reading in the Duma, the lower house of parliament, on Thursday before it goes to the upper house, where it is presented to President Vladimir Putin and becomes law.
Read also | Russian airstrikes in Ukraine have left Moldova and other cities without power.
But the second reading in the Duma comes when major amendments are approved, so Wednesday’s approval heralds an easy passage.
The new act prohibits advertising, media and online resources. Books, films and theater productions deemed to contain such “propaganda”.
It also expands existing restrictions by banning the dissemination of information about gender transitions to minors.
Violations are punishable by fines and, if committed by non-residents, may result in their deportation from Russia.
Fines range from 100,000 to 2 million rubles ($1,660 to $33,000). For certain violations, foreigners could face 15 days in detention before being deported. (Associated Press)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)
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