News (World)

Russian lawmaker proposes bill to deny gay parents custody over their children

Russian lawmaker proposes bill to deny gay parents custody over their children

MOSCOW — A Russian lawmaker has proposed a bill that would deny gay parents custody over their children.

Alexei Zhuravlev

The draft bill, published on parliament’s website on Thursday, would make the “fact of nontraditional sexual orientation” a basis for denying custody.

Other grounds include alcoholism, drug use, and abuse.

The proposal comes in the wake of a recently enacted law banning homosexual “propaganda” that makes it illegal to expose minors to information that portrays “nontraditional sexual relations” as normal or attractive. Authors of the bill have justified it as a measure aimed at protecting children, and not suppressing the LGBT community.

Alexei Zhuravlev, the author of the child custody bill, referred to the earlier law and said that homosexual “propaganda” had to be banned not only in the public space “but also in the family.”

© 2013, Associated Press, All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

IOC to reconsider Isinbayeva Olympic ambassador role following anti-gay remarks

Previous article

Chelsea Manning seeks presidential pardon for leaking classified documents

Next article