Russia: Newspaper targeted under homosexual propaganda ban
| Publisher | Article 19 |
| Publication Date | 13 November 2013 |
| Cite as | Article 19, Russia: Newspaper targeted under homosexual propaganda ban, 13 November 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/528487e04.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned that a Russian newspaper is being investigated following a complaint that it published an article in breach of the country's 'homosexual propaganda' law. The editor-in-chief of Molodoi Dalnevostochnik, a newspaper in the Khabarovsk region, received a notice, after the paper printed a story about the dismissal of Alexander Yermoshkin, a local teacher and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) activist.
Thomas Hughes, ARTICLE 19's Executive Director said:
"We have long campaigned against homosexual propaganda bans in Russia, which pose a serious threat to the freedom of expression in the country. This case clearly shows those fears are well founded and just how far reaching this draconian law is. Investigating a newspaper for reporting the discriminatory dismissal of a school teacher clearly violates international standards on press freedom."
"Homosexual propaganda bans are used to intimidate and silence LGBT people. It is concerning development that the law is now being used to take aim at media organisations that report on LGBT issues. By gagging the press, those that wield power in the Russian Federation are closing down conversations about matters of serious public interest in vital areas such as education and human rights, preventing everyone from accessing information."
"The law has been crudely justified as offering protection to minors, but young people have the right to access information and participate in debates just as much as adults."
"Even if the investigation amounts to nothing, the very fact that the authorities have deemed it appropriate to investigate will have a serious chilling effect for free speech in the country, encouraging a climate of self-censorship that discourages other media organisations from reporting on LGBT issues. The media must be allowed to report freely on matters in the public interest without fear of persecution." - See more at: http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/37351/en/russia:-newspaper-targeted-under-homosexual-propaganda-ban#sthash.xbGL8WCd.dpuf
