May 19, 2013 | Sex & Society

Majority of Russians hate gays

Russia is not a gay-friendly country.

Each year, Moscow has denies a permit to groups wishing to hold a Gay Pride Parade, even though the denial has been repeatedly ruled illegal by European Courts. This year, Moscow has again said no to a Gay Pride request.

Then there's the 'Gay Propaganda' legislation in various parts of Russia that make showing homosexuality in a positive light a criminal act. A country-wide version of the law is now being debated.

This all makes the results of a recent poll, though chilling, not all that surprising.

According to the Levada Center, over 70% of Russians think public displays of homosexuality are unacceptable. Only 12% think it's okay.

As well, 35% of respondents said same-sex relations were a disease or a result of psychological trauma, and 43% thought it was a bad habit.

Only13% said homosexuality should be punishable with jail time, though another 38% of respondents felt gays needed treatment. Only 38% felt homosexuals should be left alone.

Gay marches are often met with violence, sanctioned by authorities and ignored by police. And just last week a young man was tortured, sexually assaulted with beer bottles and killed after coming out to two 'friends.'

Russia will remain a sad, backward country for years until it smartens up!

Poll: 7 in 10 Russians are against the ‘justification and display of homosexuality’ [PinkNews]