Russia: Putin's Kremlin targets LGBT in new crackdown

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"According to the law, it's forbidden to do what we're doing," Danya says. "We're a lot more anxious now. The risks are much higher."

The new law bans "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" amongst all age groups. Anyone caught committing this "offence" could be fined up to 400,000 roubles ($5,840; £4,730), with much higher fines for organisations or journalists.

Since the law was passed, Danya has decided to leave Russia and move to France. He says that living in a country where it's illegal to "just be yourself" makes him feel afraid. "My hands are tied. I just don't have a choice anymore. Either I leave the country, or stay here and wait for it to get even worse. What's happening now - it's very frightening."

The bill began its journey through the Russian legislative system last summer, shortly after Moscow launched its so-called special military operation.

The timing is no accident: Vladimir Putin says that Russia is not only fighting Ukraine on the battlefield, but also "Western" values. During a speech in the Kremlin to mark the illegal annexation of four Ukrainian regions, the president lashed out at the West and LGBT rights, calling them "pure Satanism".

More at link - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64345693
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Doesn't this sound familiar when it comes to the United States and the GOP's views on the matter. People world wide have the right to live their lives the way they wish provided laws are not broken or anyone being hurt by it. Really sad that Putin is using this group as a scapegoat for a disastrous unjust war.