Twenty years ago, homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia. But today, anti-gay legislation is making a comeback. Recently, St. Petersburg was the fourth Russian city to pass a law banning “homosexual propaganda”.
What does that mean? Well, it’s vague – and that’s the way the law and the church like it. The legislation states that “public action aimed at propagandizing sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism, and transgenderism among minors” is a chargeable offence. People found doing so will face substantial fines.
This has sparked an international outcry and gay rights groups are calling for people to avoid travel to the city until the law is repealed. This is a major step backwards.
In protest and to spread the message, Finnish film director Elias Koskimies produced a video with Venuz Vulgar (Morgan Devereaux) and friends make their way to St. Petersburg, Russia. This is today’s short film.
More information on the legislation and the repeal process can be found on Amnesty International’s site.
