Outed Russian MP considers legal options

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Russian State Duma Deputy Alexander Chuev has told journalists he sent his complaint to the prosecution authorities in connection with the statements made by Moscow Pride organiser Nicolas Alexeyev about his homosexuality.

Speaking on the talk show K baryeru last week Mr Alexeyev, who was convicted of a minor offence last month for his role in the banned Pride march, outed Mr Chuev.

The MP is one of the most outspoken opponents of gay rights, and has introduced proposals to the Duma to outlaw the “promotion” of homosexuality and ban “gay propaganda.”

Mr Alexeyev claimed that Mr Chuev’s gay relationships were well-known in the 1990s before he became a politician, and called him a coward and a liar.

“We reached the most important thing during this TV show,” Mr Alexeyev told GayRussia.

“We showed all hypocrisy of the representatives of the present Russian authorities.

“They have secret homosexual relationships but at the same time they do all their best in order to slander gays and lesbians.

“I am ready to prove at any court or prosecution office that deputy Chuev is gay and to produce corresponding proofs.”

It was the first time a politician has been outed in Russia.

The MP gave no details of his complaint to the prosecution authorities but said in his blog:

“Let the investigators now to find out which crime there is in his actions.”

“The essence of provocation was that I really hit Alexeyev in the face and then they start procedure to deprive me of my deputy immunity. The aim is to take me out of elections.”

By applying to the prosecution department, Mr. Chuev admitted the word “gay” as an insult, though he did not say which article of the law violates saying it.

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