A new survey has shown that 83% of Russians consider gay sex ‘reprehensible’.
The poll – which was conducted in December – exposed a massive spike in anti-LGBTQ attitudes in the country, with little distinction between generations when it comes to views on same-sex relationships.
In Russia’s urban and rural areas, just 8% of the 1,600 people surveyed did not object to gay sex.
“Our reports confirms the fact the level of homophobia and level of violence against LGBT people is growing in Russia,” a spokesperson for the Russian LGBT Network told GSN.
“I do not believe that the Russian society is homophobic by its nature – it is exactly the work of the state-sponsored propaganda.”
They added: “The Russian government is actively promoting the so-called ‘traditional values’ that presents homosexuality – and many other things – as alien for Russia.
“The same report of Levada Center shows that more people than before condemns sexual relations outside of marriage or abortions. All in all, this data is very frightening.”
A previous survey conducted back in 1998 found that 68% of Russians were against gay sex. The number grew to 76% in 2008.
As we all know, Russia has a terrible track record when it comes to the treatment of its LGBTQ citizens.
A ‘gay propaganda’ law came into force in Russia in 2013, and banned the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” to anyone under the age of 18.
Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was his duty to block same-sex marriage to “uphold traditional and family values”.
What’s more, the Russian republic of Chechnya ordered an anti-gay purge earlier in the year, locking up dozens of gay and bi men in modern-day concentration camps and torturing them.
Meanwhile, Brendan O’Carroll – the star and creator of hit sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys – revealed that he turned down a major television deal in Russia because they wanted to edit out a gay character.
The comedian explained that part of the deal would have involved removing beloved gay character Rory from the show before they were willing to license it.
Latest
