The US State Department has come out with a statement that strongly condemns new legislation in Russia, which criminalizes the “promotion” of homosexuality among minors. The legislation bans the promotion of LGBT lifestyles to minors in public, but fails to explain what “promotion” means. Everything from pride parades to protests could fall under this umbrella, which shows just how backwards and hateful the legislation is.
The State Department released the following:
“Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights. “We have called on Russian officials to safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens.”
The State Department further said it was “deeply concerned” by the bill proposed by the United Russia faction. The legislation passed in its first reading last week in St. Petersburg’s parliament but will need to pass in two further readings to become law.
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