A vocal critic of internet content controls in Russia, Alexey Zhuravlev, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, has called for the removal of emoticons and emojis deemed to convey LGBT propaganda from digital devices used by Russians. He argued that symbols such as the mustachioed bride and the pregnant man should be removed, framing them as examples of content that could influence public perception. In response, he suggested expanding sticker packs with patriotic phrases that are both diverse and comprehensive yet free of LGBT and Nazi symbolism.
“Few would dispute that depictions of relationships between two men or a pregnant man fall under LGBT propaganda, a category prohibited by law in our country,” Zhuravlev stated. He warned that such imagery in messaging could be interpreted by some as normalizing non-traditional relationships, emphasizing that the government maintains strict oversight of press and internet content on these topics. He noted that the area is highly sensitive and significant, adding that he did not advocate fines for using these emojis, but argued for removing obscene images from packages loaded onto devices.
According to Zhuravlev, it should be possible to add patriotic expressions to Russians’ devices as long as they avoid LGBT and Nazi symbols.
“Russian patriotism can be represented in expressions that are diverse and inclusive, but must exclude prohibited symbols. Penalties, including prison, can apply if such content is disseminated publicly,” he explained.
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