Russia: Passed Bill prohibiting the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations

On 23 November 2022, the Russian State Duma approved in the third reading a bill prohibiting the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations or preferences, both among children and adults. In addition, propaganda on paedophilia and gender reassignment will be prohibited. Sites promoting this type of information will be blocked, whereas on paid audiovisual services this kind of information will be available if the user can confirm their age. Advertising and films containing non-traditional sexual relations references will be banned. Fines for violating the non-traditional relations ban for citizens will be between RUB 50 to 400 thousand, between RUB 100'000 to 800'000 for officials, and between RUB 800'000 to 5 million rubles or activity suspension (up to 90 days) for legal entities. Fines for violating the ban on promoting paedophilia range from RUB 200'000 to 800'000 for citizens, RUB 400'000 to 2 million for officials, and RUB 1 to 10 million rubles or suspension of activities (up to 90 days) for legal entities. Finally, the fines for spreading information about gender change or non-traditional sexual relations will be between RUB 50'000 to 200'000 rubles for citizens, RUB 100'000 to 400'000 thousand for officials, RUB 800'000 to 4 million rubles or suspension of activities (up to 90 days) for legal entities. Stateless persons and foreign citizens will be expelled from the Russian Federation territory for committing such violations.