Russian lawmakers move to expand anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

A new piece of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was passed by the lower house of Russia's legislature on Thursday, according to a statement from the State Duma. The bill would ban so-called "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" for both adults and minors, the State Duma said.

"The initiatives propose punishment for the promotion and justification of non-traditional sexual relations in the media, the Internet, literature and cinema," the statement from the State Duma read, describing the imposition of intimidating fines against individuals, organizations, and businesses that the State deems as violating the new legislation. 

Non-Russian citizens would face expulsion from the country should they be found in violation of the law.