Local lawmakers in St. Petersburg, on a third and final reading, passed a controversial law Wednesday that introduces fines for promoting gay and lesbian relationships in the presence of minors and advocating pedophilia, Interfax reported.
Critics say the law effectively bans gay-pride parades and other public displays or discussion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender sexual orientations.
The law stipulates a 5,000 ruble ($170) fine for individual violators, a 50,000 ruble fine for officials and up to 500,000 rubles from legal entities that break the law.
The legislation has provoked outcry from gay-rights advocates in Russia and around the world, even while other city legislatures in Russia announced they would consider adopting similar measures.
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