Why a Russian MP is calling for a ban on Beauty and the Beast
United Russia politician Vitaly Milonov claims Disney's new film will spread gay 'propaganda' among minors
A Russian MP has called for a ban on Disney's new live-action Beauty and the Beast film, saying it will spread gay "propaganda" among young people.
Vitaly Milonov, a member of the governing United Russia party, has urged culture minister Vladimir Medinsky to check if the film, which features Disney's first openly gay character, complies with the law, reports the BBC.
He said: "In this situation, society cannot look on silently at what movie distributors are offering under the guise of a children's tale – the obvious, barefaced, unscrupulous propaganda of sin and perverted sexual relations."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Although homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993, distributing information about homosexuality to minors is illegal under legislation that describes gay and bisexual relationships as "non-traditional sexual relations".
Milonov, who once compared homosexuality to bestiality during an interview on BBC Radio 5, was a leading voice in implementing the 2013 law, which led to a rise in homophobic violence.
Medinsky said the ministry will consider the film and its relevant distribution paperwork in light of the legislation.
In an interview with Attitude magazine this month, director Bill Condon announced Beauty and the Beast would feature Disney's first "exclusively gay moment", as the character LeFou (Josh Gad) explores his feelings for his friend Gaston (Luke Evans).
The side plot was described as "a watershed moment for Disney" by the magazine's editor-in-chief Matt McCain.
He said: "By representing same-sex attraction in this short but explicitly gay scene, the studio is sending out a message that this is normal and natural – and this is a message that will be heard in every country of the world, even countries where it's still socially unacceptable or even illegal to be gay."
The film, which stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, is due for release in Russia on 16 March.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
4 ways to give back this holiday season
The Explainer If your budget is feeling squeezed, remember that money is not the only way you can be generous around the holidays
By Becca Stanek, The Week US Published
-
4 tips for hosting an ecofriendly Thanksgiving
The Week Recommends Coming together for the holidays typically produces a ton of waste, but with proper preparation, you can have an environmentally friendly gathering.
By Theara Coleman, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published