Brussels, 21/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has once again said she is concerned about the Russian Duma's approval of a federal law making the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relations among children and minors” an administrative offence under Russian law. She called on Russia to respect its national and international commitments to non-discrimination, freedom of expression, and freedom of association and assembly, and to protect the enjoyment of these rights by everybody.
“This law could stigmatise particular groups and individuals and lead to discriminatory practices and discourse against them”, stated Ashton's spokesperson, saying that Ashton “is concerned, in particular, by the possible impact of the implementation of this law on the activities of LGBTI organisations in Russia, also in the context of the ongoing pressure on civil society in the country”.
Ashton had already reacted on 30 January (see EUROPE 10776) and on 12 June (see EUROPE 10865). On 21 June, the Duma was due to vote in third reading on a law forbidding the adoption of Russian children by homosexual couples or by single people in countries which have legalised same sex marriage. (CG/transl.fl)