Salon.com > anti-gay laws

Russian Parliament passes “gay propaganda” ban

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:54:00 +0000

Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, voted on Tuesday to pass a measure banning the distribution of "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to anyone under the age of 18, which, in reality, criminalizes any kind of media or event that acknowledges the existence of gay people, supports gay rights or compares gay relationships to straight relationships.

Russia sees its first-ever lesbian glossy despite anti-gay ban

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:13:00 +0000

The inaugural issue of a lesbian glossy hits newsstands in Russia this month, in defiance of a proposed law banning all "homosexual propaganda" and increased violence and discrimination against gays and lesbians in the country.

The magazine -- Agens, which means "driving force" in Latin -- features androgynous fashion spreads and coming-out stories and may serve as a vital source of community and connection for gay, lesbian and transgender communities restricted from publicly organizing.

“The LGBT community has to deal with an information blackout,” editor-in-chief Milena Chernyavskaya told Ria Novosti. “Russian gay men and lesbians don’t know each other and think that they cannot be happy, because everyone around them abuses them.”

The Agens top editor also doesn't see the publication as a provocation, but as an opportunity to engage directly with Russian lawmakers: “We are aiming at a dialogue both with the readers and the authorities,” Chernyavskaya said. “If the deputies are unhappy with the magazine, I would like to talk to each of them face to face.”

Tennessee “Don’t Say Gay” bill could require schools to out their students

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:16:00 +0000

If you thought that you'd heard the last of Tennessee's "Don't Say Gay" bill after state lawmakers abandoned the legislation last year, think again.

It's back. And it's awful.

The measure still prohibits elementary and middle school teachers from discussing sexual activity that is not related to “natural human reproduction” or even acknowledging that homosexuality exists, but new language in the bill would require school officials to tell parents when students are -- or might be -- gay:

The general assembly recognizes that certain subjects are particularly sensitive and are, therefore, best explained and discussed within the home. Because of its complex societal, scientific, psychological, and historical implications, human sexuality is one such subject. Human sexuality is best understood by children with sufficient maturity to grasp its complexity and implications...

A school counselor, nurse, principal or assistant principal from counseling a student who is engaging in, or who may be at risk of engaging in, behavior injurious to the physical or mental health and well-being of the student or another person; provided, that wherever possible such counseling shall be done in consultation with the student’s parents or legal guardians. Parents or legal guardians of students who receive such counseling shall be notified as soon as practicable that such counseling has occurred.