Russian parliament passes anti-homosexual laws

[MNBrewer]

http://wsws.org/en/articles/2013/06/18/russ-j18.html

On June 11 the Russian parliament adopted—by 436 votes to nil, with one abstention—two civil rights laws, making it a punishable offence to openly practise homosexual relationships, defend homosexuals or “insult religious sentiments”.

Both laws have yet to be approved by the parliament’s upper chamber and signed by President Vladimir Putin. Putin has already publicly declared his support for both laws.

The two laws constitute an assault on basic democratic rights. They are part of a campaign by the Kremlin, which is increasingly responding to growing social unrest and political instability by appealing to nationalist sentiment and exploiting right-wing forces such as the Russian Orthodox Church.

The new anti-gay legislation provides for penalties of up to €100 (US$135) for individuals and €23,000 (US$30,000) for organisations that “promote non-traditional sexual relationships”. Defending the basic democratic right of social equality for homosexuals is therefore made illegal.

[Old Union Guy]

1. The bit about "religious sentiments" is the tip off ...

... about who is driving this.

[dickthegrouch]

2. If opiates are illegal in Russia, so should religion be

"Religion is the opiate of the masses" Karl Marx

Anyone who espouses illegal drugs should be thrown in jail too