The Australian Government has updated their travel advice for LGBTI people considering travel to Russia. The government’s Smart Traveler website now warns  people to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to the country and not to travel at all to the northern region of Caucasas.

The website has been updated to include information about recent laws introduced into the country to stop information about LGBTI people being shared with anyone under 18, and laws that make it illegal to suggest that a gay relationship is on par with a straight relationship.

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The website reads,

Laws banning the “promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors recently entered into force. It is unclear exactly how these laws will be applied, but the effect is to make the “promotion” to minors of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans relationships illegal in Russia. These laws may affect public expression and assemblies on such issues. A range of penalties apply, including deportation for foreigners.

Homosexuality is legal in Russia, but many Russians are socially conservative. Intolerance towards the LGBTI community is common, particularly beyond Moscow and St Petersburg. Violence against LGBTI people has been reported, but it is unlikely foreigners will be targeted unless they are engaged in political activism or are otherwise active in support of LGBTI rights. Public displays of affection by LGBTI people may attract disapproval.

Get all the details on traveling to Russia from the Smart Traveler site.

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