"Even Kremlin propagandists are shocked". A Russian discusses the new law
Russian State Duma has enacted a law that bans LGBTQ+ propaganda entirely. The implications of this law are severe; simply displaying an image that the court recognizes as a symbol of non-heteronormativity can result in a 12-year prison sentence. "This law escalates repression in Russia to an unprecedented level," comments Viacheslav Zarutskii, a Russian YouTuber based in Warsaw.
Zarutskii, the Russian YouTuber living in Poland, asserts that the new resolution of the Russian Duma not only impacts sexual minorities but also vastly broadens the interpretation possibilities, giving more jurisdiction to the services.
The scope of the law equating the rainbow with LGBTQ+ symbolism is so vast that it may be misused by the police. "Everyone will suffer," warns Zarutskii, illustrating his point with several examples that the new law in Russia allows.
Thematic patches, clothing badges, parades, marches, demonstrations, or themed events are all prohibited under the new law. Violating these rules can result in a sentence of up to 12 years in prison.
Zarutskii emphasizes that: while same-sex couples in Russia aren't banned, the prohibition extends to forms of expressing one's orientation or showing support for LGBTQ+ individuals. He explains the liberties the current law grants to uniformed services.
Previously, the police could plant illegal substances in someone's pocket to extort a ransom. Now, all they need to do is slip a small rainbow flag into your pocket, and you could end up in jail for 12 years - the vlogger explains in his video.
What's more, Zarutskii adds that simply having the Russian police impersonate your boyfriend or girlfriend through a messenger could land you in trouble. "They'll send you a picture of a rainbow flag. The image will automatically save on your phone, and the police will show up out of nowhere," he warns.
Sneaky plots are rampant. Have an annoying neighbour? Slap a small LGBT flag on their door and call the cops. Russian courts favour the victim. And in this case, the reporter is deemed the victim - he further expands based on examples.
Zarutskii mentions in his video that there are already absurdities in Russian television following the law's introduction — a music channel censored a rainbow appearing in a Korean music video. Companies with a rainbow in their logo have started rebranding.
Supposedly, the rainbow is legal, but whether it's ordinary or ideological is determined by the court. Just for mentioning LGBTQ+, one may end up in prison for 12 years - Zarutskii comments.
