Alexander Suturin, chief editor of Khabarovsk newspaper, Molodoi Dalnevostochnik,was fined yesTerday under the new Russian “Anti-gay Propaganda” laws for for printing an interview with a gay teacher who said ‘being gay is normal’.
Molodoi Dalnevostochnik, the oldest publication in the region, came under fire because it bears a label warning people only above the age of 16 to visit its Web site, Amurburg.ru said.
Gaystarnews reported that Suturin, who had said “My very existence is proof being gay is normal,” was fined 50,000 roubles ($1,400) which was half the maximum fine. When compared to the average salary in the region, which is 15,000 roubles, the fine is immense.
The prosecutor claimed the editor had broken ‘traditional family values’ and was promoting ‘genderless and fruitless so-called tolerance’.
By publishing a quote saying homosexuality was normal, Suturin was charged with ‘distorting’ the picture of society and such a statement is ‘contrary to the laws of logic’.
The judge said if children read the article, it will lead them to believe ‘serial killers’ are also normal.
In his defense, Suturin claimed trhat he had not actually promoted anything, just informed his readers of someone’s opinion. He will be appealing the decision to a higher court.
