Russian Prime Minister says there is no reason to “regulate” homosexuality
The Russian Prime Minister has said that he doesn’t see any reason why homosexuality should be banned legally in the country, and that it is not an big issue for many Russians.
In response to a question on whether homosexuality should be banned, The Moscow News reported that Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, said:
“Not every moral issue, behavioral habit or communication issue between people should be regulated. This is why not all relationships between people are subject to a legal interpretation.”
He went on to say that the issue of being gay doesn’t actually concern many people in Russia, and that there is too much hype surrounding the issue. He continued:
“Probably this issue does not concern too many people in the country, and it’s not discussed at all levels.”
At the same time, Mr Medvedev did admit that State Duma lawmakers were permitted to submit any bills, or proposals, to parliament.
The law equates homosexuality with “paedophilia” and was passed by the city on February 29 of this year – despite more than 270,000 people signing an online petition against the measure.
The St Petersburg law came under fire from the LGBT community, and human rights activists worldwide, however it has also been proposed that the law should be made federal. Fines can be issued to people breaking the law in St Petersburg.
Nine plaintiffs had said they were “desperate” to make the Material Girl pay for their “moral suffering” following her performance in the city during August. It was after she spoke out against the ban on stage and handed out pink bracelets.
The lower house of Russia’s parliament may begin talks on 19 December, on fines of up to 500,000 Rubles (£10,000), for “promoting” homosexuality among minors.
