Russia passes 'Answer to Blinken' gay propaganda law

Under the latest version of the law, any promotion of homosexuality - including in books, films and online - is illegal and carries heavy penalties, Qazet.az reports.

It was nicknamed the "Answer to Blinken" law, after the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticised it as a "blow to freedom of expression".

Activists say it is a further attempt to repress Russia's LGBT community.

It was approved by 397 votes to none in the Duma - Russia's lower house - with no abstentions.