Russia's State Duma has passed legislation that imposes harsh fines and jail terms for the distribution of homosexual "propaganda" to minors. The legislation, adopted on June 11, has been criticized by rights defenders as a way to oppress homosexuals amid rising homophobia in Russia. It bans the distribution to minors by Russians, foreign citizens, and media organizations of "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations." Earlier on June 11, as the legislation awaited its final reading, police were deployed to break up clashes in front of the State Duma between gay-rights advocates and Christian activists.
Clashes As Russia's Duma Passes Ban On 'Homosexual Propaganda'
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An Orthodox believer spits on a gay-rights activist.
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An Orthodox believer throws an egg at gay-rights activists outside the State Duma.
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Youths kick a gay-rights activist during a protest outside the State Duma.
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People attack a gay-rights activist in front of the State Duma.
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Police officers separate Orthodox and gay-rights activists outside the State Duma.
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An Orthodox believer holds a poster before a protest by gay-rights activists.
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Police officers separate an Orthodox activist and gay-rights activist outside the State Duma.
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A gay-rights activist is comforted by a supporter after being attacked during the protest outside the State Duma.
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Gay-rights activists shout slogans during the protest outside the State Duma.
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Gay-rights activists shout slogans from a police van after being detained.
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Antigay rights activists trample on a rainbow flag during a protest by gay-rights activists.
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Gay-rights activists kiss each other outside the State Duma.