Gay law will lead to discrimaination against LGBT: EU

Brussels, May 20: The European Union (EU) has appealed to

not to

banning so-called "

propaganda".

Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, intends to pass a law by the end of the current session (mid-July) banning dissemination of information among minors promoting homosexuality.

Amendments will be made May 26-27, after which a working group will compile the draft law along with representatives of civil society and gay rights activists.

"The EU called on Russia to refrain from adopting federal legislation on 'homosexual propaganda', which it believed could increase discrimination and violence against LGBTI individuals," the EU said in a statement on its website Sunday.

The statement referred to the results of a meeting May 17 in Brussels between Russian and EU diplomats on human rights issues.

During the meeting, noting the concerns about the "living situation" of many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, the statement says all 14 governments are "committed to taking action in order to improve their lives."

But the gender equality ministers pointed out that the commission needs to do its bit too.

Practical policy options include funding, encouraging progressive campaigns and the dragging all member states up to the highest standards by directly comparing national policies.

With inputs from IANS.

OneIndia News