First ‘LGBT Propaganda’ Case Opened in Russia

The Russian Interior Ministry has opened an investigation into Moscow-based publisher Popcorn Books for allegedly distributing literature that promotes non-traditional sexual relations, according to Alexander Khinshtein, the chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, RT News reports.

This marks the first case under Russia’s recently expanded legislation that restricts LGBT propaganda in the country and imposes hefty fines on those found guilty of promoting “non-traditional sexual relations,” pedophilia, and transgenderism through books, films, media, and websites.

Those fines demand up to 5 million rubles ($82,500), per The Moscow Times.

Khinshtein, who played a key role in drafting the legislation, stated that Popcorn Books has taken a leading role in promoting LGBT literature in Russia.

He added that the publisher not only continued to sell such books after the law took effect in December but also deliberately adorned the covers with quotes from Article 29 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and prohibits censorship.

One of Popcorn Books’ most controversial releases is a novel titled “Summer in a Pioneer Tie,” which depicts a homosexual relationship between a teenager and a summer camp counselor during the Soviet era.

The book reportedly sold more than 200,000 copies, but it faced heavy criticism from conservative public figures who called for it to be banned.

In his announcement of the investigation on Telegram, Khinshtein expressed hope that the case will go to court and that the publisher, which he said had thrown an open “challenge” to the government, would face consequences.

“This publishing house has played a leading role in promoting LGBT literature in Russia,” he wrote. “I hope that the case will be brought to court and that Popcorn Books — which has openly challenged the government — gets what it deserves.”

This new law on LGBT propaganda, signed by President Vladimir Putin, has been heavily criticized by international human rights organizations, and many of them have called the law discriminatory and violative of freedom of expression.

A representative from LGBT rights group Sphere said this was not the first case of Popcorn Books being targeted and that Russia’s new law was open to broad interpretation by the authorities, according to Reuters.

“Since the word ‘propaganda’ has never been interpreted anywhere in the laws, anyone and anything can fall under it,” Noel Shaida, head of communications at Sphere, told Reuters.

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