Russian Lawmaker Calls for Screening Officials' Sexual Orientation After Alleged Gay Sex Video Surfaces

Russian State Duma Deputy Aleksandr Khinshtein has called for examining the sexual orientation of officials before high-level appointments, following the release of an alleged gay sex video involving him in a bathhouse by LGBTQ+ activists. The incident has ignited a debate about the treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, where homosexuality is legal but discrimination and stigma persist.

Khinshtein accused the activists of blackmail and claimed the video was fabricated. He said in a statement, "I believe that people with non-traditional sexual orientation should not occupy government posts." His call for screening officials' sexual orientation highlights the ongoing tensions around LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

While the Russian government has not yet responded to Khinshtein's proposal, LGBTQ+ activists argue it would be an infringement of human rights and further marginalize the community. Activist Nikolai Alexeyev said, "This is pure discrimination based on sexual orientation. It has no place in a modern society and goes against international human rights standards."

Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, but a 2013 law banned the spreading of "gay propaganda" to minors, which activists say has been used to limit LGBTQ+ activism and events. Hate crimes and harassment against LGBTQ+ people remain common, with few legal protections in place.

Why this matters: The incident underscores the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia. It also raises questions about the use of personal information and videos to target and discredit public officials and the potential for further restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Khinshtein, a member of the ruling United Russia party, has been a vocal supporter of conservative policies and a critic of LGBTQ+ rights. His call for screening officials' sexual orientation, while unlikely to become law, reflects the enduring anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment among some politicians and segments of Russian society. As the debate continues, activists remain concerned about the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Russian official calls for screening officials' sexual orientation
• Incident sparked by alleged gay sex video released by LGBTQ+ activists
• Activists argue proposal would infringe on human rights and further marginalize LGBTQ+ community
• Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993 but LGBTQ+ rights remain limited
• Incident reflects enduring anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment among some Russian politicians and society