On 29 June 2013 amendments to the federal law ‘On the Protection of Children From Information Liable to be Injurious to their Health and Development’ (Anti-Propaganda Law) were signed into force by Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. Russian federal law now prohibits any form of expression of homosexuality to minors, referred to in the legislation as ‘non-traditional sexual values’ and ‘information promoting non-traditional sexual relations’.
This briefing note, prepared by the Human Dignity Trust, firstly outlines the purported objectives and purpose of the Anti-Propaganda Law, including an excerpt from the explanatory note for the legislation: ‘It is… essential to put in place measures which provide for the intellectual, moral and mental well-being of children, including a ban on any activities aimed at popularising homosexuality.’
Secondly, the briefing note identifies the offences and penalties under the Anti-Propaganda Law. Thirdly, it addresses interpretation of the law, including excerpts from guidelines published by the Service for Supervision of Communications, Information and Mass Media. Fourthly, the note provides examples of charges brought before the courts under the Anti-Propaganda Law.
In the analysis of the Anti-Propaganda Law, the note highlights how the legislation violates the rights to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly and non-discrimination and equality before the law. The reaction of condemnation from the UN and other human rights mechanisms is also provided.
Download the briefing note