Russia now fines for “looking too gay”

 

Russian officials have fined nightclub revellers for "looking too gay" in their choice of outfits after a police raid on a nightclub. 

At least seven people received the penalties following a police raid. The detainees reportedly wore clothing that police suspected promoted non-traditional sexual relations like "pink socks".

They were reportedly hit with charges of trying to arouse interest in non-traditional sexual relations, which has been outlawed in Russia for a decade. Usually this charge is directed at those publishing pro-LGBT material, not at those wearing "unmanly" clothing.

Russia's Supreme Court effectively outlawed LGBTQ activism in 2023. With Putin, Russia is a very homophobic and transphobic place, especially after the 2013 law that bans so-called gay propaganda, really, any positive mention of LGBTQ identity. 

Marriage equality law is set to take effect in Thailand

 

Thailand’s marriage equality law is set to take effect on Jan. 22. Thai MPs passed the marriage equality bill on June 15, 2024.

The new marriage law also removes gendered references to “husband” and “wife” and establishes some adoption and inheritance rights.

The country will become the first one in Southeast Asia, and the third in the continent after Taiwan and Nepal, to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples.

After the law’s passage, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin called it a“significant step for Thailand. He stated the marriage equality bill would give them “the exact same equal rights” as heterosexual couples. “Equality and equity have become concrete in Thai society,” he added.

Well done Thailand!!!