Russian State Duma Committee Rejected Bill Against Coming Out

The Russian State Duma Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building has declined to endorse a controversial draft bill that would introduce fines and arrests for people who publicly express their homosexuality, the Russian Service of Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.

Committee member Dmitry Gudkov wrote on his Twitter, “The Committee did not support the bill, but the discussion was fun. Now lay out video.”

Deputies Ivan Nikitchuk and Nicholas Refievof the Communist party introduced the draft law to the Duma. The draft law proposed fines of 4,000-5,000 rubles (25,000-30,000drams) for the public demonstration of homosexuality. For similar acts committed in Russian educational and cultural institutions, the deputies proposed to introduce, in addition to fines, arrest for up to 15 days.

Nikitchuk said the bill would only apply to gay men. In an interview with “GovoritMoskva,” Nikitchuk said, “”We think women are more reasonable people and more able to manage their emotions.So far, we’re not touching women.”