UN panel calls for annulment of Russian gay 'propaganda' law
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 5 February 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, UN panel calls for annulment of Russian gay 'propaganda' law, 5 February 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5331450e0.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 05, 2014
LGBT rights activists risk arrest by rallying in St. Petersburg. (file photo)
A United Nations panel has called for the annulment of Russian laws banning the spreading of homosexual "propaganda" to minors, saying it encourages discrimination and possibly violence.
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child noted that the legislation is ostensibly aimed at protecting children, but said it could also lead to "stigmatization" and "discrimination" against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, including children.
The Associated Press news agency quotes the panel as saying it was particularly concerned that the legislation's "vague" definition of what may be considered "propaganda" could lead to the persecution or abuse of innocent people.
The measures, which became law last year, have been widely condemned by rights activists as discriminatory.
Russia has faced extra scrutiny over the legislation as it prepares to host the Winter Olympics in Sochi this week.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website