Introduction and Background

Abstract

Legislation criminalizing the distribution of ‘homosexual propaganda’ to minors was first introduced in St. Petersburg in 2012, followed by national legislation in 2013. These developments were part of Russia’s president Vladimir Putin’s longstanding campaign aimed at suppressing dissident voices, eroding civil society, and upholding the traditional power and influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. These events are situated in the broader global context, and western countries’ approaches to sexual minorities and human rights are examined. An outline of the theoretical approaches, methodology and contents of the book is provided, as well as details of the author’s background.