Minister stands by homophobic Bill

Dutch and EU officials have said the draft law may contravene rights obligations.

But Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: "We don't have a single international or common European commitment to allow propaganda of homosexuality."

Russia's lower house of parliament voted at the end of last month to support the Bill, which makes makes public events and dissemination of information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to minors punishable by fines of up to £10,000.

The law has yet to be approved by the upper house and president. Supporters say young people need to be shielded from "homosexual propaganda" because they would be unable to evaluate the information critically.

Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans said before a meeting with Mr Lavrov today: "Discrimination against homosexuals is unacceptable. Gay rights are human rights and Russia must adhere to its international obligations."

Mr Lavrov insisted that since homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993, LGBT people have enjoyed full rights in Russia and "can go about their business absolutely freely and unpunished."

But gay pride marches are often banned or violently attacked.

Numerous magazines have come out against the Bill and highlighted the daily problems faced by the LGBT community in Russia.

The law is supported by President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party, so is likely to easily pass through the Duma.

MPs will continue discussing amendments until May, so the Bill is unlikely to become law before June.