Protecting LGB rights in Russia has long been an uphill struggle. A climate of intolerance, hostile rhetoric from mainstream politicians and the repeated quashing of pride parades has now found its judicial corollary in a particularly pernicious piece of legislation.  Rights activists and a host of commentators have, with good reason, voiced their opposition to a new law which could effectively criminalize any discussion of the notion of being gay.  The New Statesmen notes with disappointment that whilst the US has made its criticism clear, there has been insufficient international outcry:

By the week’s end, the St. Petersburg Assembly hope to make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian or transgender. Campaigners are currently attempting to prevent such a move. It’s too late for Arkhangelsk and Ryazan, those regions already having criminalised what is termed “gay propaganda”.