If anyone can stand to hear another point of view, then please refer to the actual SodaHead article, which twice states that the only ban on speech occurring here is the ability to pass out LGBT information to minors. Personally, I would hope that issues of sexuality were handled within the family, with unencumbered parental influence, until the minor becomes adult. I see no information in that article stating that LGBT info is banned for adults.
The ban also outlaws Gay Pride Parades. On one hand, that is very unfortunate. I don’t believe that should be banned. But consider something here. The photo library posted on SodaHead is missing information as to where or when the parade(s) took place. It leads us to believe that these are photos from a recent Russian Gay Pride Parade. That is the immediate perception. But without credits, who knows when or where these photos were taken. The article, combined with these undocumented photos, could easily be swaying the SodaHead vote.
But here’s the biggest reason why this is important. The photos shown don’t have anything whatsoever to do with Gay Pride. These particular photos should better be tagged as a Sexual Exhibitionist Parade. One photo shows a man with half ass showing. Another displays three Sailors in open ass jock straps. What on earth does that have to do with being Gay?
That’s no more a Gay thing than if female Strippers held a “public” parade with body parts hanging out… But called it a Women’s Rights Parade.
I think the community (wherever these photos are from), would be better informed about Gay Pride, were the Parad-ians dressed more similar to the community they wished to endear. I highly doubt there would be much rejection of the Pride Parades, if the pride was centered more around what the Gay community has actually contributed to society. Consider the potential perception change if these young men were dressed fashionably. It would also be a great opportunity to tout the Gay arts community.
But I’m sorry folks. I wouldn’t want these ass shakers rolling through my neighborhood any more than I’d want a female stripper parade. The propensity for sexual exhibitionism may be hurting the LGBT cause more than they know.