Big News...Russian 'Gay Propaganda' Law Dealt Major Blow by the Court

[Liza's Headband]

Big News...Russian 'Gay Propaganda' Law Dealt Major Blow by the Court#1

Posted: 10/4/13 at 2:27am

A historic ruling in Russia could be the key to finding an end to the ‘gay propaganda’ laws.

Back in March 2009, gay activist Irina Fet protested against the regional homophobic law in Ryazan. She held a placard saying ‘Homosexuality is normal’ and ‘I am proud of my homosexuality’ outside schools and libraries. Arrested, charged and fined 1,500 rubles ($46, €34), Fet was found guilty of informing minors about homosexuality.

While her group Moscow Pride appealed the charge, they lost at a local court. After that, the case was sent to the UN Human Rights Committee to challenge the arrest. On 31 October 2012, the UN committee ruled in their favor, describing the law as ‘discriminatory’ and ‘arbitrary’. They agreed the law went against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, by violating Fet’s right to freedom of expression and protection from discrimination.

Ryazan regional court today (2 October) has now agreed with the international ruling, and cancelled all prior charges and verdicts.


Considered a Significant Development and Sign of Things to Come

[Reginald Tresilian]

Big News...Russian 'Gay Propaganda' Law Dealt Major Blow by the Court#2

Posted: 10/4/13 at 11:07am

At least one person on BWW is going to be very disppointed to hear this.

[PalJoey]

Big News...Russian 'Gay Propaganda' Law Dealt Major Blow by the Court#2

Posted: 10/4/13 at 11:15am

To be accurate, this does not affect the Russian law we have all been protesting.

This ruling affects only the local law in the Ryazan region, 120 miles southeast of Moscow.

[Liza's Headband]

Big News...Russian 'Gay Propaganda' Law Dealt Major Blow by the Court#3

Posted: 10/4/13 at 2:03pm

Damn. Thanks for the clarification, PJ. The article wasn't entirely clear and now I'm seeing it as somewhat deceptive. But hey.. let's start at the local level. Maybe it will have greater influence on the national level. We can only hope.