Brussels, 31/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Concerned by the Russian Duma's approval of a federal law on the “propaganda of homosexuality to minors”, which makes this propaganda an administrative offence, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called on the Russian Federation on 30 January to respect its national and international commitments - in particular under the Council of Europe as a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights - to protect the enjoyment of these rights by all individuals.
“The implementation of this law could reinforce discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and intersex people (Ed: LGBTI) as well as those who support them and their choices, in particular by limiting their freedom of expression and their freedom of association and assembly”, Ashton's spokesperson stated in a press release.
Russian members of parliament adopted the legislative proposal in first reading on Friday 25 January by 388 votes to one with one abstention. The legislative proposal provides for fines in cases of propaganda to minors. (CG/transl.fl)