The LGBTQ community has been struggling for their independence and acceptance in Russia for a very long time. However, a bill that was passed on June 11th, 2013 and enforced on June 30th of that same year has only made it harder for the community. The law that was passed is called The Gay Propaganda Law, also known as "For the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values". According to Rossiyng toskaya Gazeta, a Russian government based newspaper, Article 6.21 of the law states:
“Advocacy of non-traditional sexual relations among minors... expressed in the dissemination of information aimed at the formation of sub-adult non-traditional sexual attitudes…or… challenge guide interest in such relations…shall entail the imposition of an administrative fine on citizens in the amount of four thousand to five thousand rubles…"
The Gay Propaganda Law greatly impacts the LGBTQ community. One way it affects the LGBTQ community is through the online gaming industry. EA, also called Electronic Arts has been hit hard with this gay propaganda law in Russia. The Sims 4, a game created by EA, has been around for 20 years. The guidelines for this game is that people 12 years or older can purchase the game.However, because of this ban, Russians who are less than 18 years of age cannot purchase this game anymore. Why is this? According to TheConversation, “The argument here is that the gay couplings in The Sims 4 are harmful to children and equates the game with violent titles, such as series Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty.”
Another way in which the Gay Propaganda Law has affected the LGBTQ community is through the movie industry. Elton John, a musician, wrote the song “Rocketman”. The song was created into a movie and is based on Elton John’s life and how he became famous. In the movie, there are multiple homosexual scenes. Due to the law in Russia, the homosexual scenes have been cut out. This upset many Russians and Elton John especially. Elton John expresses his disappointment in an interview. This is what he had to say: