Russian lawmakers are preparing to
debate a bill which would forbid the spread of “homosexual
propaganda” to minors.
Such bans already exist in 9 regions,
including St. Petersburg, Russia's second city.
Now supporters are readying to take the
prohibition nationwide.
The first parliamentary reading of the
draft federal law is scheduled to take place Wednesday, December 19.
“We've agreed that it's wrong to hide
behind the backs of regional lawmakers,” Yelena Mizulina, the head
of the State Duma Committee for Family, Women and Children is quoted
by RT
as telling journalists on Thursday.
Mizulina, a member of the Fair Russia
Party, said she was confident that “a certain control over
homosexual behavior is necessary in a democratic society.” It is
needed, she said, to prevent corruption of minors.
Children should mature “in a normal,
adequate” environment and decide their sexual orientation for
themselves as adults.
“There is no reason to vote against
it,” she added.
Those found to be in violation of the
law would face fines raging from $162 to $16,200.