Nightclub in Russia’s Far East fined for allegedly ‘promoting non-traditional sexual relationships’

A court in Yakutsk, Russia, has fined the local nightclub Number One 250,000 rubles ($2,448) for violating regulations on public gatherings.

According to the court’s press service, the violations occurred during a January 2 performance at the club and included “individuals appearing in a naked, degrading manner” and “the promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships.”

Club representatives acknowledged in court that they had organized a show featuring two guest performers but denied allegations of “promoting non-traditional sexual relationships,” the court’s press service reported.

On January 2, the Siberian Express reported that the complaint originated from a local administrative commission, which alleged that the club had been promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships and gender changes” in performances by “guest artists from Thailand.”