Debate postponed on anti-gay measure

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Debate on a bill imposing fines for the promotion of homosexuality has been postponed by lawmakers in St. Petersburg, Russia, the bill's author said.

Vilatly Milonov told the Russian news agency RIA Novosti his measure was temporarily shelved because city lawmakers were unable to agree on its "legal definitions."

The bill, passed nearly unanimously on the first of three required readings, would outlaw any gay pride events.

It would also impose fines of up to $1,600 for "public activities promoting sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgender identity" as well as pedophilia.

Civil rights groups have said the law amounts to legalized fascism.

"The very concept of this bill is illegal, it cannot be defined to conform with legal norms," said Igor Koshetkov, who heads the group Coming Out in St. Petersburg.

Amnesty International has condemned the measure as a "thinly veiled attempt" to fuel discrimination against St. Petersburg's gay community.