Aimee Walker
President Vladimir Putin has formally banned same-sex marriage in Russia.
The new amendment was backed by over 78 per cent of Russian voters in the referendum.
However, President of the Human Rights Campaign, Alphonso David, has branded the move ‘shameful, manipulative and malicious’.
Vladimir Putin Crowned ‘Russia’s Sexiest Man’ In Poll
He said: “Russia is tripling down on its attacks on the basic human rights and dignity of LGBT+ people by adding constitutional prohibitions against marriage equality.
“Putin and his administration used propaganda brochures leading up to the election promising a return to ‘traditional family values’, using marriage between loving couples as a wedge to push through his nefarious agenda.”
People’s thoughts on the Russian amendment
People have been reacting to the news on Twitter.
One person wrote: “Never thought I’d have to wake up to a day where a modern Western nation bans gay marriage. Personally can’t wait for Putin to burn in hell.”
Another added: “It’s already difficult to be #LGBTQ in #Russia let alone #Putin banning same-sex marriage. Not surprising really, he’s not really a bastion of #HumanRights anyway.”
“This is such a scary thing to happen. Thousands of people living in Russia will now not be able to live their lives as happily as others. I am seeing so many LGBT+ people on here fearful for their futures in Russia, this can’t be ignored,” a third commented.
A fourth said: “Unfortunate but in no way surprising. The LGBT+ community in Russia must fear for their lives just because of who they love.”
How was this Russian amendment encouraged?
The new ruling is just the latest attack on the LGBT+ community in Russia.
In 2013, anything deemed pro-LGBT+ was banned from being distributed and was labelled ‘gay propaganda’.
Last year, a campaign was produced by a pro-Kremlin group – who are allies of the President – to encourage citizens to vote for the bill.
In the TV advert, an orphan is seen being raised by two men and is shown wearing makeup and dresses.
It was followed by a slogan, which read: “Decide the future of the country. Vote for the amendments to the constitution.”
How long has Vladimir Putin been President of Russia?
Vladimir Putin has had two stints at being the President of Russia, making him the longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin. He’s been serving for over nine years.
Who led Russia before Vladimir Putin?
There have been many presidents of Russia, however, the leader before Vladimir Putin was Boris Yeltsin.
Yeltsin was a former Soviet politician who served as the first President of Russian from 1991 to 1999.
What is Vladimir Putin’s net worth?
Vladimir Putin’s net worth is estimated to be worth around $70 billion. The Russian President is believed to make $187,000 per year.
Featured Image Credit: Pexel & Unsplash
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