I think you might not be entirely rational when it comes to the whole social equality topic, Smeeps.
Even easier when rather than dealing with an issue you can just commit the tu quoque fallacy and decry any evidence as anti-Russian propaganda.
I would like to ask you first if you have any scientific evidence of active LGBT persecution being widespread in Russia.
Mictlan, why did you link Russia Today, of all things?
What, the law? Are there any examples of similarly dumb laws being rescinded anywhere in the world at all?
Well most developed Western states haven't criminalised homosexuality lately or implemented laws as stupid and draconian as that for quite a long time so it's hard to find an example. But giving that bullshit as a defense is pretty desparate, Knit Tie, I must say.
I am just wondering what we should genuinely expect Russian government to do when it realizes that it shot itself in the PR leg with this law: try to pass it off as intentional or nullify it as publicly and loudly as possible?
It's one thing to be proud of your country, tbh, for all its faults I like being an American and living in America. (don't ever make me say that again.) But it's impossible for a country to be perfect, and recognizing faults to try and push back against them is imperative.
I am not saying that Russia is a good country for LGBT people, I am merely saying that its faults in this area are exaggerated.