Russian Govt. to Debate Bill that Would Remove Children from Gay Parents

The Russian government has scheduled a vote on a bill that would remove children from the custody of their gay parents. Alexi Zhuravlyov's bill would classify homosexuality similarly to alcoholism, abuse, and violence, making it a reason to remove a child from a parent's custody.

The law will be under consideration this February, Gay Star News reports. Though the specific date was not included in the report, the debate may coincide with the 2014 Winter Olympics scheduled for Sochi, Russia, February 7-23.

The bill's supporting language largely cites American researcher Mark Regnerus, whose study on LGBT parents has been widely discredited.

In September, Zhuravlyov said he introduced this legislation after he saw a man in his hometown, Voronezh, who was given custody of his children after he came out as gay. He said the government would not hunt for LGBT people but would only target activists who speak out for LGBT rights and expression.

"We simply aim to position the law so that it is on the side of the child, because children should not be exposed to propaganda by parents [who] profess it," he added.

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