! This is a preliminary version of the dataset. The page will be updated.
What is the "gay propaganda" law and how is it applied by courts?
For over 10 years, Russia has institutionalised discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals at the federal legislative level. This is manifested through the adoption and enforcement of discriminatory laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and serve as a mechanism for creating an “enemy” image.
The vague wording of these laws allows authorities to apply them arbitrarily. As a result, dozens of individuals in Russia have been subjected to hefty fines for “gay propaganda”—an offense that is impossible to define with sufficient specificity.
This resource is created for those seeking access to a comprehensive collection of documents related to the enforcement of this legislation.
What constitutes a violation?
According to the law, actions interpreted as “spreading information about non-traditional sexual relationships” in a way that creates a positive image of such relationships are prohibited. Since 2022, this definition has expanded to include not only minors but also adult audiences, covering a wide range of materials—from social media and media content to works of art.
Why was this database created?
We aim to promote transparency and understanding of how these laws are applied in this sensitive and controversial area. Our project provides researchers, journalists, legal professionals, and interested parties access to real-world examples and data, enabling evidence-based analysis and informed opinions.
If you have additional questions or information to contribute to our database, please feel free to contact us.
The Grey Rainbow project is a collaboration between researchers and Dataout, a foundation that helps journalists, researchers, and human rights advocates report on discrimination and improve the legal and societal environment for LGBTQIA+ people and everyone who faces injustices based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics or SOGIESC.
greyrainbow@dataout.org
In the design of this website, we use illustrations taken from the watercolour series “Veshchdoc” (“Physical evidence”) by the artist Polina Zaslavskaya, who has kindly granted us permission for their use. The artist retains all rights to the images.