A Russian newspaper has been accused of breaking the country's "gay propaganda" law because it published a news story about a teacher who was fired because of his sexual orientation.

The state's media watchdog, the Federal Mass Media Inspection Service (FMMIS), sent the editor-in-chief of the Molodoi Dalnevostochnik a notice claiming the item propagated homosexual relations.

It followed a report in the paper, based in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk, that included an interview with geography teacher Alexander Yermoshkin about the circumstances of his dismissal (see details in this Moscow Times article).

After a complaint, the regional branch of the FMMIS launched an investigation. One of its officials, Galina Yegoshina, pointed to a quote by Yermoshkin: "My very existence is effective proof that homosexuality is normal."

She said: "This statement goes against logic. By offering it to underage readers, the author is misleading them about the normality of homosexuality."

The newspaper's editor responded by arguing that the article showed the negative side of being gay and cited constitutional provisions outlawing discrimination. He has also offered Yermoshkin the chance to write a column.

Individuals found guilty of violating the "gay propaganda" law can be fined up to 100,000 rubles (£1,900). The paper can be fined even more heavily and be closed for 90 days.

Source: Moscow Times