Russian police have detained two people in St. Petersburg for breaching a new law banning homosexual propaganda, the first arrests since the city's legislature passed the controversial legislation in February.



The two gay rights activists were arrested on April 5 after holding placards reading "It's normal to be gay."



A court hearing is scheduled for April 6.



Under the new law, people convicted of promoting homosexuality or pedophilia among minors can be fined up to 5,000 rubles ($172) and organizations can be fined up to 500,000 rubles ($17,200).



Human rights campaigners say the law is discriminatory and runs counter to the European Convention on Human Rights.



Russia's national legislature, the State Duma, is currently considering a bill that would make public support of homosexuality illegal across the country.



Based on reporting by dpa. Interfax