Russia’s Duma Waves Through Anti-gay Law – by 436 Votes to 0
THE INDEPENDENT: Gay activists attacked and arrested for protesting against bill that will ban ‘homosexual propaganda’ aimed at young people

Gay activists were attacked and then arrested outside Russia’s parliament as lawmakers overwhelmingly passed a bill that will ban “gay propaganda” aimed at under-18s. The Duma passed the bill, which outlaws the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations”, by 436 votes to zero, with one abstention.

The bill will now become law if it is approved by Russia’s upper house of parliament and then signed by President Vladimir Putin, who has already expressed his support for it. The bill is the most criticised element of a series of measures that activists say makes a difficult situation for gay people in Russia even worse. Individuals who violate the law can be fined up to £100, while the penalty for organisations can be up to £20,000. Foreigners found to be promoting gay equality in violation of the law will be arrested and immediately deported. » | Shaun Walker | Moscow | Tuesday, June 11, 2013

THE INDEPENDENT: Russia set to pass strict anti-gay law that could see foreigners deported for 'sexual propaganda': Russia’s parliament will debate a controversial law on Tuesday that could see people arrested for behaviour that is deemed to promote homosexuality. ¶ The bill provides for Russian citizens engaged in the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation” to be fined, while foreigners could be arrested and immediately deported. » | Shaun Walker | Moscow | Monday, June 10, 2013

A Duma Without One Westerniser
BBC: The results of Sunday's elections in Russia are bad news for the West, which, it seems, has not a single friend left in the Russian parliament.

Not that the previous Duma ever hesitated to demonstrate its patriotic credentials and snub Nato at every turn. But at least there were a few daring independent deputies who at times would challenge the views of the majority.

One such was Vladimir Ryzhkov, whose dissident stance on human rights and freedoms in his own country, as well as international issues, earned him the wrath of nationalists and wide respect among liberals - both inside and outside Russia.

On Sunday, Mr Ryzhkov and others like him lost their platform - and a chance to speak to the nation.

The loophole has now been closed. The new electoral law does not allow independents to stand. All candidates had to represent a major political party to stand a chance of winning a seat. A Duma without one Westerniser >>> By Andrei Ostalski, BBC Russian Service

Mark Alexander