Russian lawmaker drafts bill to criminalize repeat violations of anti-LGBTQ censorship laws

Russian State Duma Deputy Nina Ostanina, who heads the parliament’s Committee on Family Issues, has reportedly drafted a bill that would criminalize repeat violations of Russia’s ban on LGBTQ+ “propaganda.” Current legislation categorizes violations of the ban as misdemeanor offenses.

According to RIA Novosti, the bill would make repeat violations of the ban punishable by up to two years of compulsory labor or two years in prison. If the offending content is aimed at minors, the violation would be punishable by up to four years of compulsory labor or five years in prison.

The bill has been sent to the Russian government for review, RIA Novosti reported.