Russian music TV station faces large fine or 90-day suspension for broadcasting supposed ‘gay propaganda’

Russian officials have reportedly filed administrative paperwork against the television network Muz-TV for violating the nation’s law against “propagating nontraditional [LGBT] sexual relations in the presence of minors.” Based on the available information, the offending content is not clear. Spokespeople for the network told journalists on Thursday that they “cannot say anything” on the matter.

The maximum penalty for such violations of Russia’s “gay propaganda” ban is a fine of 1 million rubles ($14,200) or a suspension of all broadcasting for up to 90 days. The case will go to court on November 17.

In June 2021, during the Muz-TV Music Awards, the television network broadcast gender-bending footage showing blogger Igor Sinyak wearing a dress, TikTok star Danya Milokhin in a half dress, and pop musicians Philipp Kirkorov and Dava (David Manukyan) arriving in a white convertible, decorated with flowers and accompanied by several scantily clad men. Following the broadcast, Russia’s federal censor said it would review the footage for possible “gay propaganda.”