Strasbourg, 12/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is concerned at the approval by the Russian Duma, no 11 June, of a federal law on “the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships to minors”, the spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton stressed on 12 June. “We believe that the implementation of this law could reinforce discrimination against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and intersex people as well as all those who support them and their choices, in particular by limiting their freedom of expression and their freedom of association and assembly”, she added.
The EU thus calls on Russia to “uphold its national and international commitments”, in particular in the framework of 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 text of the law makes the propaganda “an administrative offence under Russian law punishable by heavy fines for individuals and organisations, possibly leading to the suspension of their activities”, the spokesperson says. Ashton had already reacted, on 30 January, after the law was voted on at first reading in the Duma (see EUROPE 10776).
The law was adopted by 436 votes in favour and one abstention. A physical person could now have to pay a fine of €100-125, a public authority official €1,000 to €1,250, and a legal entity from €19,000 to €23,500. Foreigners could also be fined up to €2,500 and may also be kept in detention for 15 days and expelled. The media are liable to a 90-day suspension. (CG/transl.jl)