Kostroma region of Russia has become the fourth to introduce a ban on "propaganda of homosexuality". Six protesters gay activists ended up in the police custody. "They detained the guys roughly, twisted arms. One female officer was particularily cruel...", - twitts the Russian LGBT Network (automated translation >>). Igor Kochetkov, Gulya Sultanova ("Side by Side" film festival) and four other activists were held in Kostroma police for 6 hours.

Deputies of Kostroma Regional Duma after the initiative of the party "United Russia" have voted for the addition of the "On Guarantees of the Rights of the Child" article to the Administrative Law, enforcing "prevention of public actions aimed at promoting pedophilia, homosexuality (sodomy and lesbianism), bisexuality and transgender minors." For all types of violations stipulated administrative punishment: for citizens - 5,000 rubles for officials - 50,000 rubles for legal entities - 100,000 rubles.

In the subsequent statement Russian LGBT Network equaled this decision on par with Nazi Germany's policy towards homosexuals.

The deputies ignored the appeal of many Russian human rights groups and citizens, as well as the views of international organizations and governments of several countries, including U.S. and UK. The bill passed the first reading of twenty-eight votes "for" and one abstention.

"... There's been two wrongful acts. Deputies adopted a discriminatory law, and police arrested innocent people who were protesting against it ... And they made these two errors. The protests will only grow, we will not stop until the infamous homophobic laws is repealed"- sais the leader of the Russian LGBT Network Igor Kochetkov on his official website.

As a side note, the legislation restricting the constitutional rights of LGBT citizens, is already actual in two regions of Russia: Ryazan and Arkhangelsk regions. Attempts to use this "experience" in St. Petersburg brought an angry reaction in the whole civilized world. Protests were voiced by government officials of the U.S. and the UK, and many human rights organizations. The Russian Foreign Ministry responded by saying that gay people in Russia will be living on the 'norms and traditions" that differ from the standards set forth in the West.