A police raid on a nightclub in Russia led to multiple arrests and fines for individuals deemed to be dressing in ways that appeared "too gay," under Russia's strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Russia has been increasingly cracking down on LGBTQ+ expression, particularly since the introduction of the controversial "gay propaganda" law in 2013.
This law, which initially banned the promotion of LGBTQ+ material to minors, was expanded in 2022 to encompass adults as well, making it illegal to promote "non-traditional" sexual lifestyles in any context.
In February 2024, police raided a nightclub in Tula, Russia, arresting eight individuals for their clothing choices, which were seen as promoting non-traditional sexual relationships, the Daily Star reported.
The charges were related to Russia's broader anti-gay laws, which have been used to target not only individuals spreading pro-LGBTQ+ content but also those who dress in ways that defy the Kremlin's vision of "traditional values."
The detained individuals were fined up to £350 each.
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