Scuffles over Russian gay bill

DHAKA: Police have made arrests outside the Russian parliament, which is due to hear a bill banning the promotion of homosexuality among children.

Scuffles began after gay rights supporters gathered for "kiss-in" protest outside the building in Moscow.

The bill echoes laws passed by Russian cities such as St Petersburg.

Human rights campaigner Lyudmila Alexeyeva said its real aim was "not to protect children but to curb the rights of sexual minorities".

The bill is up for the first of three readings in the State Duma, after which it must be approved by the upper house (Federation Council) and President Vladimir Putin before it can become law.

If passed, it would mean that across Russia events promoting gay rights would be banned and the organisers fined, the BBC`s Steve Rosenberg reports from Moscow.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1704 HRS, JAN 25, 2013
AKA