Russia may ban Beauty and the Beast as ‘shameless propaganda of sin’
Russia might ban Disney’s new live action movie of Beauty and the Beast over a gay moment which has been described by a politician there as “shameless propaganda of sin”.
Josh Gad, whose character Le Fou struggles with his sexuality throughout the film, said it was a shame the twist had been revealed, adding: “I hope that it’s a surprise to audiences to some extent.”
The film will include a character exploring his sexual orientation which will end with a “gay moment” says the film’s director.
Bill Condon suggested that the character LeFou, Gaston’s manservant, has confusing feelings about the major character.
Now, Russian legislators are considering whether to ban the film, despite the minor character only having brief moment of confusion.
Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky has said action will be taken against the film, which may break a 2013 Russian federal law banning the “promotion of non-traditional sexual relations” to minors.
Vehemently anti-LGBT MP Vitaly Milonov, has urged Medinsky to hold a screening of the film in order to ascertain whether it breaks the law.
He said if so, the government should “take measures to totally ban” it if he found “elements of propaganda of homosexuality”, describing it “shameless propaganda of sin”.
“As soon as we get a copy of the film with relevant paperwork for distribution, we will consider it according to the law,” Mr Medinsky has said.
Earlier this week, an Alabama drive-in cinema said it had cancelled plans to screen the film over the gay character.
The company made the announcement on its Facebook page, informing followers that the new ownership had decided “with great sorrow” to not show the film.
“We all make choices and I am making mine,” continued the post on the page belonging to the drive-in, which is owned by Alabama native Lanita Price.
“For those that do not know, Beauty and the Beast is ‘premiering’ their first homosexual character. The producer also says at the end of the movie ‘there will be a surprise for same-sex couples’.”
Apparently the drive-in’s owners had not previously noticed the clear sexual overtones between Gaston and Le Fou.
The message continues: “If we can not take our 11-year-old granddaughter and 8-year-old grandson to see a movie we have no business watching it.”
“If I can’t sit through a movie with God or Jesus sitting by me then we have no business showing it.
“I know there will be some that do not agree with this decision. That’s fine.”
