Russian Orthodox Church Urges ‘gay Propaganda’ Ban

Last updated on: March 12, 2012 at 9:22 am by

Russian Orthodox Church Urges ‘gay Propaganda’ Ban 2012-03-12T09:22:16-07:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

MOSCOW (AP) — A leading official in the Russian Orthodox Church has urged federal lawmakers to adopt a bill outlawing what he called the promotion of homosexuality among minors.

Similar legislation approved late February in Russia’s second largest city, St. Petersburg, mandated fines of up to $33,000.

Father Dmitry Pershin, head of the church’s youth council, said Monday in a statement that the law should be applied nationwide “without delay.”

Gay rights activists say the law could be used to ban any public demonstrations by Russia’s embattled gay and transgender community.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, but anti-gay sentiments remain strong.

The Orthodox Church, which was heavily suppressed in Soviet times, has exercised a growing influence on public policy in Russia.

Previous Post

March 12, 2012

Q&A: NYPD Spies On Muslims. Legal? Good Policy?

Next Post

March 12, 2012 Romney's "Southern" Accents Are A Hit-and-miss Try

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category

Select a Month April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who was Abraham's nephew?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Ishmael Isaac Jacob Lot