Russia: Investigating a publishing house for “propaganda” in favor of LGBTI people

Its principles of Russia they investigate one publishing houseas based on the new tough legislation, he is accused of making “propaganda” in favor of LGBT persons. Specifically, the publishing house Popcorn Bookswhich he has published novels related to LGBTI+ relationships and self-identificationbegan printing Article 29.5 of the Russian constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression, on the covers of his books after Russia enacted a new law banning the promotion of “LGBTQ+ propaganda” to adults.

THE Alexander Hinsteinthe politician who helped draft the law, said a department of the interior ministry in Moscow began investigating the publishing house after he had already formally appealed to the authorities last December.

“I hope the case goes to court and Popcorn Books, which is challenging the state directly, gets what it deserves,” he said in a social media post.

“Let me remind you that this publishing house is one of the leading promoters of LGBTI+ literature in Russia,” he said.

The new Russian law

The new law which expands in Russia the interpretation of what is labeled “LGBTQ+ propaganda”gives authorities the right to fine individuals or organizations that promote homosexuality in public, online, or through films, books or advertisements.

Russian lawmakers say they are defending morality against what they say are “un-Russian” liberal values ​​promoted by the West, but rights groups say the actions are designed to bar minority representation, such as are lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people (LGBTQI+), in public life.

A representative of the LGBTI+ rights organization Sphere said that it is not the first time that the publishing house Popcorn Books has been targeted and that the new law is open to very broad interpretations by the authorities.

“Since the word ‘propaganda’ has never been defined anywhere in the laws, anyone and anything can fall under it,” Noel Saida, Sphere’s chief communications officer, told Reuters.

Popcorn Books is a Moscow publishing house that introduces itself as follows: “We publish exciting fiction books that deal with ‘uncomfortable’ topics: issues of self-definition, racism and sexism, attitudes towards our own bodies”. A bestseller was the book by Jelena Malisova and Katerina Silvanova, “A summer in a pioneer camp”, which tells the love story of a camp leader and his 16-year-old student. Its sequel, “Why the Swallow is Silent,” has also been published.