Russia issues warning to Disney over airing a film with a gay character

Disney has received a warning email from the Russian Regulatory Body, telling them not to distribute or promote their new film Out as it contravenes Russian law.

Out features a gay man who makes the decision to come out to his parents.

But Russian authorities have branded the topic as potentially ‘harmful to children’ and ‘denies family values’.

Vladimir Putin’s government passed a 2013 law that banned ‘gay propaganda’, prohibiting the “’promotion of nontraditional sexual relations to minors’.

Under this legislation, sharing information in any form about LGBT+ lives can earn a person a prison sentence or large fines.

According to Reuters Russian communications body Roskomnadzor sent a letter to Disney warning them about the film and reminding them of Russia’s law.

The film is a heartwarming nine minute short released in May last year on Disney and was a huge step forward for them and Pixar, as it’s their first film to feature an openly gay lead character.

This isn’t the first time that Russia has issued warnings against Disney as they took umbrage at 2017’s remake of Beauty and The Beast over hints that Le Fou could be gay.

Metro.co.uk has approached Disney for comment.

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