IKEA ends its family magazine in Russia to conform to ‘gay propaganda ban’
IKEA, the world's largest furniture retailer, has announced that it’s ending its online publication IKEA FAMILY Live in Russia.
In a statement released on March 13, the company said its decision is based on concerns that some of the materials in the magazine might be considered violations of Russia’s law against promoting “non-traditional sexual orientations” in the presence of minors.
“IKEA FAMILY Live depicts many different aspects of people’s lives at home, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or religion. The magazine reflects the values of IKEA, including our belief in equal opportunities for all,” the company’s statement said.
“We understand that much of what is published in the magazine might be regarded as [illegal] propaganda, according to [Russia’s] Article 6.21 against ‘Promoting Non-traditional Sexual Orientations in the Presence of Minors.’”
- IKEA FAMILY Live is a magazine for members of IKEA’s frequent shoppers’ club. Packed with suggestions for home decorating, the magazine comes out in 25 countries, including Russia. In addition to the online magazine, there is a quarterly print edition.
- In November 2013, because of the so-called “ban on gay propaganda,” IKEA removed from its Russian edition of IKEA FAMILY Live material about a lesbian couple from Great Britain raising a child and decorating their home. The decision was made jointly between IKEA’s Russian office and its headquarters in Sweden, where the move prompted a public backlash.