Russia
While Russia has never been a leader in human rights, conditions have been worsening, especially for LGBT Russians. When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Russia began to change its attitude towards members of the LGBT community in a positive way. In 1993, Russia decriminalized homosexual relationships, and, in 1997, transgender Russians were allowed to change their legal gender. However, in more recent years, these trends have been reversed.
A new Russian law criminalized "gay propaganda" in the presence of minors. The fine for violations ranges from $120 to $30,000. Foreigners are also subject for deportation and 15 days in prison.
As a result, applications for political asylum from Russia have skyrocketed. About 41,000 Russians applied for asylum to the European Union last year, which is double the rates of 2008. The statistics for applications to the United States are currently unavailable.
A new Russian law criminalized "gay propaganda" in the presence of minors. The fine for violations ranges from $120 to $30,000. Foreigners are also subject for deportation and 15 days in prison.
As a result, applications for political asylum from Russia have skyrocketed. About 41,000 Russians applied for asylum to the European Union last year, which is double the rates of 2008. The statistics for applications to the United States are currently unavailable.