Russia shuts LGBTQ+ museum after new law bans any media spruiking 'non-traditional values'

Vladimir Putin has signed off on a new law that expands the Russian government's powers to punish its citizens for spreading what the state calls 'LGBT propaganda'.

The Russian President's new law effectively outlaws any expression of a LGBT lifestyle or behaviour in a public space.

The legislation was given the green light by the Federation Council last month.

It has now come into effect, with the nation's only LGBT museum forced to shutter amid fears of prosecution.

Anything that may be considered an attempt to promote acts of homosexuality in public, online, in films, books, or in advertising, could now see Russian citizens cop hefty fines of up to

It also bans children from being exposed to anything lifestyle or sexuality that contravenes 'traditional values'.

As per Reuters, activists reckon he new law is intended to LGBT people out of Russia.

LADbible spoke to Alexander Kargaltsev a few years ago.

He's a 32-year-old Russian who sought asylum in America to flee the anti-LGBT nation.

"Growing up in Russia, it was near impossible to meet guys," Alexander said. "There were bars and clubs, but it wasn't safe to go there."

In an extract from his application for citizenship to the United States, Alex describes leaving a gay bar one night.

"I was once attacked," he writes. "And beaten by an organized mob of anti-gay protesters, while several uniformed state police officers stood by watching. The police refused to intervene when my friends and I pleaded for help.

"I am afraid that if forced to return I will continue to suffer assault, severe discrimination, and constant harassment, and I will be injured or possibly even killed."

Even when inside a club, he was once locked-in due to there being a large number of protesters outside. After waiting several hours inside a silent club, Alex made his way out, but was soon met by 'four of five skinheads who shoved us, and then began punching us repeatedly.'

Although Alex was on the gay scene before the invention of gay dating apps, he told LADbible that they aren't safe in Russia. "Even that is a trap," he says. "People could attack you."