Russian MPs accuse Fifa 17 of ‘gay propaganda’

Communist MPs in Russia have written to the communications oversight and state consumer protection agencies, requesting they take action against EA football title FIFA17, accusing it of violating the country’s laws on gay propaganda.

Fifa 17, which is rated as suitable for all ages, added a rainbow coloured kit in support of LGBT rights group Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign last month, which is aiming to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in football. All players could claim the rainbow coloured kit for free in Fifa Ultimate Team mode to support the initiative.

The letter sent by Communist MPs reads: "According to the 2013 law, such propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations can cause “harm to children’s health and development."

As reported by the Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/05/russian-mps-accuse-fifa-17-video-game-of-gay-propaganda, Communist MP Valery Rashkin told Russian newspaper Izvestia that, following an investigation, authorities should order the game’s developer, EA Canada, to “introduce changes to the programming code or the age classification of this information product, and if it refuses, adopt corresponding restrictive measures”. Banning the game for sale in Russia was mentioned as a possibility.

In 2015, Communist MPs introduced legislation to fine or jail anyone who comes out or speaks of their homosexuality is public, and the country is already infamous for its stance on LGBTQ rights.