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Russian citizens will now be subjected to stricter restrictions and discrimination following President Vladimir Putin’s signing of a bill to expand on the so-called ‘gay propaganda law.’

The so-called ‘gay propaganda law,’ was originally signed in 2013 and banned media from ‘promoting’ “non-traditional values,” including same-sex relationships and gender diversity, to citizens under 18 years of age.

However, the newly approved legislation will now see such restrictions extended to banning media from ‘promoting’ “non-traditional values” to all Russian citizens, no matter the age.

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“This bill deprives LGBTI people their right to freedom of expression and endorses their discrimination, risking a rise in hate crimes,” explained Amnesty International via Twitter. 

Individuals in breach of the law can be fined up to 400,000 roubles. Organisations can be fined 5,000,000 roubles.

Additionally, the legislation can also see non-Russian citizens in breach of the legislation facing up to 15 days in prison before being deported from Russia.

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