Is Russia a gay-friendly country?

Russia has traditionally been socially conservative on LGBT rights, with 2013 polls indicating a large majority of Russians oppose legal recognition of same-sex marriage, and support for laws restricting the distribution of “propaganda” that promotes non-traditional sexual relationships.

What is it like to be LGBT in Russia?

The Russian constitution guarantees the right of peaceful association. Nevertheless, organs of authority in Russia refuse to register LGBT organizations. Public opinion in Russia tends to be hostile toward homosexuality and the level of intolerance has been rising.

What drives anti-gay public opinion in Russia?

The Russian Orthodox Church is a major driver of anti-gay public opinion, Mikhailova said, but there is a paradox at play. In most countries, religiosity is linked to anti-gay attitudes.

What do Russians really think about religion?

Russia (along with China) is an outlier. Few Russians say religion is central to their lives; the country scores on par with many Western European countries in terms of lack of religiosity, but only 9 percent of Russians say homosexuality is acceptable in the new survey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH53BVRoNJU

What is Russia’s new gay rights law?

The law also bans foreign same-sex couples from adopting Russian children. On the opening day of the Olympics (Feb. 7), police arrested at least 14 gay rights activists in St. Petersburg and Moscow, according to news reports.

What are the dangers of being gay in Russia?

Russian gays and lesbians tackle daily dangers which leave little time to take pride in their, as the Russian government puts it, “non-traditional lifestyle.” The Russian homosexual population—and even those perceived to be homosexual—do face true dangers, especially beatings and ostracization.

How did Russia treat gays before the Russian Revolution?

Before the revolution, Czarist Russia was hardly friendly to gays. In 1716, homosexuality among military men was made punishable by flogging, rape and forced labor, according to Dan Healy, a professor of Russian history at Oxford University.