Russia is cool with homophobia, having made it illegal for any pro-gay message to be shared in the country. However, the government released new guidelines advising citizens to refrain from homophobic attacks when visiting other countries.

 

The Russian Foreign Ministry updated its travel advice, hoping to stop Russians from offending other countries. It warned that places like France and Canada and the UK see attacks on “people of non-traditional sexual orientations” as unacceptable.

 

Visiting France? Please don't "speak or act abusively to members of the LGBT community."

 

Going to Spain? “Public expression of negative attitudes towards persons with different sexual orientation are not met with understanding in others, so you should refrain from it.”

 

And Canada? Well, it has a "serious fixation on sexual equality” and "has long legalised same-sex marriage." Major cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal may be even more intolerant of intolerance, as "in urban areas with many sexual minorities ... there is a risk of punishment in the form of fines or being charged with ‘hate crimes’.”

 

In 2013, Russia passed a law banning any promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations." Since then, there has been an increase in attacks on queer Russians, and many activists have been arrested, beaten and fired from their jobs.  

 

May we suggest that if you're a homophobic Russian you consider a lovely staycation? (Preferably one where you don't ever leave your house. Such fun!)