Russian Bill Would Bar Gays, Alcoholics, Pedophiles
PlanetOut
Network, June 11, 2004
By Christopher Curtis, PlanetOut Network
SUMMARY: A bill being considered by the Russian
government groups homosexuals with alcoholics and pedophiles, suggesting all
three be banned from positions in the country’s parliament.
A bill being considered Friday by the Russian government
groups homosexuals with alcoholics and pedophiles when it comes to banning
people from positions in the Duma, the country’s parliament.
A deputy from the Kursk region submitted the bill, which
if passed, would require newly elected deputies to undergo physical and
psychological examinations.
“Chronic diseases and latent diseases undoubtedly
influence one’s capability to communicate and observe acceptable behavior
norms,” the bill said according to the Moscow Times. “They prevent
[deputies] from making decisions for their electorate.”
The spokesman for the deputy presenting the bill, Yury
Svichainy, told the paper, “The bill is aimed at forming some
regulations.”
However, he admitted it was unlikely the bill would make
it all the way to the reading Friday.
The bill has been the target of intense criticism.
The Duma’s Committee on Constitutional Law and
Government Building has recommended it be thrown out from consideration. A
number of deputies have complained that the legislation assumes one is guilty
until proven innocent and is consequently unconstitutional.
The Duma has already rejected anti-gay legislation. On
May 28, a bill making homosexual sex between men illegal was overturned by a
vote of 58-34.
[Home] [World] [Russia]
