Why Is Russia So Homophobic?

[xchrom]

http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/06/why-is-russia-so-homophobic/276817/


A man attacks a gay rights activist during a gay pride parade in St. Petersburg on June 25, 2011. (Reuters)

The Russian Duma unanimously approved a law on Tuesday that prohibits the distribution of homosexual "propaganda" to minors. Holding gay pride events, speaking in defense of gay rights, or equating gay and heterosexual relationships can now result in fines of up to $31,000.

Before the vote, gay rights activists who attempted to hold a "kiss-in" outside the Duma were pelted with eggs by Orthodox Christian and pro-Kremlin activists. Anti-gay protesters also gathered, with one holding a sign that read: "Lawmakers, protect the people from perverts!"

The argument that a young person can be "propagandized" into turning gay may seem outdated (not to mention an overestimation of the power of propaganda), but it's actually not out of place in modern Russia.

"Children maimed by pedophiles jump out of windows, they take their own lives. Pedophilia is an attempt on a child's life!" cried one St. Petersburg lawmaker when a similar ban in that city passed last year, seemingly confusing homosexuality and child molestation. Madonna was recently sued for speaking in favor of gay rights during a St. Petersburg concert. When a 23-year-old man in Volgograd revealed he was gay to some drinking companions last month, they beat him, shoved beer bottles in his anus, and crushed his head with a stone.

[gordianot]

1. These Russians express views not that much different than your average Republican.

[Bluenorthwest]

2. The Orthodox Churuch and the Communist Party are two of the more bigoted

groups I have encountered in my life.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. Food for thought. LOTS of it. n/t

[dbackjon]

4. And Fundy Christians are sponsoring these people to immigrate to America

Sacramento area is infested with these bigots.

[closeupready]

5. Probably has something to do with their religion.

[mitchtv]

6. mainly that primitive hocus pocus Russian Orthodox church

during the commie period Gay was a western abomination, mix that with the resurgent church and voila.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Like so many places, it is a variety of things.

Religion is, of course, one source. However, it is important to note Russia's homophobia is long-lived and not a recent phenomena. Under the Soviet empire, gays were treated horribly, assuming they weren't just murdered. This is one of the few countries where abject homophobia isn't primarily because of religion, which makes Russia unique. It just goes to show, one doesn't need religion to hate us!

[JI7]

8. i have read about Russia a lot and their culture before the Soviet Union was very similar to

the conservative American culture in rural areas that you see today with being very religious .

add to this that the Soviet Union which may have changed some things still viewed Gays as something horrible.

so now you have Putin who represents the worst of all sides. conservatism and bigotry of religion along with the oppression of the state of the communist days.

plus there seems to be some depression in russia. what you see in other places even places which lack freedoms like in some middle eastern places with people coming out to protest is lacking in russia these days. even during the worldwide protests against the war in Iraq, the anti capitalist protests , and other things Russia always seemed lacking compared to other nations.

it is a very fascinating and beautiful country with an amazing culture. but there is a very dark side to it all also.

[Old Union Guy]

9. It's what the right wing would like in the USA. n/t