Putin signed laws banning “LGBTQ propaganda” and new restrictions on “foreign agents”

Vladimir Putin signed a law banning “LGBTQ propaganda,” as well as a law prescribing further restrictions for “foreign agents” and affecting freedom of assembly. Texts and laws are published on the legal information website.

first second Law on the ban on the dissemination of “LGBTQ propaganda” of the State Duma unanimously on November 24. Federation Council November 30 innovation. It provides for a ban on “LGBTQ propaganda” on the Internet, media, literature, cinema and advertising. Films shown will not receive distribution certificates. Products (including books) that are perceived to contain such “propaganda” will be prohibited from sale.

accepted approved queer experience For violations of the law, administrative liability is provided in the form of large fines, and for foreigners and stateless persons - deportation from Russia. In addition, the law provides for the creation of a special organization to identify and block any prohibited content.

The law on regulating the activities of “foreign agents” was also approved by the Federation Council on November 30. It imposes many new restrictions and obligations on individuals and entities designated as “foreign agents.” For example, such individuals and organizations will no longer be able to work with children. In addition, the Ministry of Justice will have the right to receive certificates on transactions, accounts and deposits of any individuals and legal entities “if there are signs of violation of the law on “foreign agents”,” and they, in turn, will be required to provide the department with information about the beneficial owners. The full list of innovations can be found.

here The same law expands the list of places where public rallies will now be prohibited. According to the text of the document, people will no longer be able to hold rallies near public authorities, airports, train stations and ports. In addition, public actions near church buildings, educational institutions and hospitals, as well as in areas adjacent to facilities that provide the operation of electrical, heat, water and gas networks are prohibited.

“Foreign agents” do not have the right, including to observe elections and referendums, or to be proxies of candidates or electoral associations, the Plenum of the Supreme Court of Russia explained. About this RAPSI.

On June 27, 2023 , the Law establishes a ban for “foreign agents” on “activities promoting... the election of registered candidates,... achieving a certain result in elections, referendums, as well as participating in other forms in election campaigns, referendum campaigns.” The Plenum included observation of voting as part of this.

In addition, when collecting signatures for the nomination of a “foreign agent” in elections, the signature sheet must indicate information about the “foreign agent” status, even though there is no corresponding line there.

• The tightening of legislation on “foreign agents” continued over the years. In November, the Government introduced new labels with which “foreign agents” and employees of organizations recognized as “foreign agents” must mark their materials. 2021 2022 approved - OVD-Info launched the project. We investigate practices of pressure on civil initiatives and protect victims from laws on “foreign agents.” "Inoteka"