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‘Canadians are advised to avoid displaying affection in public, as homosexuals can be targets of violence’

He said the law could affect the health and safety of Canadians travelling in Russia.

“Canada’s ambassador has written to the Russian government to express our deep concern,” Baird said.

Travel Gay Canada says LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Canadians — who are very safety conscious while travelling — will likely heed the warning.

“The No. 1 thing that gay and lesbian travellers look for is safety, and if they don’t feel safe it’s certainly going to be a deterrent,” said Bruce McDonald, the group’s co-founder and director.

The new law takes aim at “public actions propagandizing homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transsexuality among minors.”

The law was signed by the governor of St. Petersburg last week, amid calls for anti-gay laws from Russian politicians and the Orthodox Church. According to Russian news reports, the city says the law is designed to protect children.

Similar laws are already in effect in the Russian cities of Ryazan, Arkhangelsk and Kostroma.

McDonald says gay travellers are “hyperaware” of how accepting a country is to their lifestyle, and plan their travels accordingly.

Russia has developed a reputation for violent homophobia, he said, after gay pride parades were attacked in recent years.

Nevertheless, he said, some more adventurous gay travellers intentionally choose to visit countries where homosexuality is repressed, to show solidarity and participate in political demonstrations.

The loss is Russia’s, McDonald said, because gay travellers tend to spend twice as much as straight travellers while on vacation.

Homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia 20 years ago.

Postmedia News