NEWS FLASH

State Department Condemns Russia’s Anti-Gay Bill | The U.S. State Department has reiterated its opposition to St. Petersburg, Russia’s “anti-gay” propaganda bill, which would fine groups or individuals who “promot”e homosexuality, pedophilia, or transgenderism to minors. The bill passed a second reading earlier this week. A Department spokesperson raised concerns that the measure “would severely restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and indeed all Russians” and said, “We have called on Russian officials to safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens.”