Backers and foes clash over anti-gay bill

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MOSCOW, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Supporters and opponents clashed outside Russia's parliament Tuesday over a proposed law banning gay propaganda set for debate in the State Duma, police said.

Backers of the measure bombarded gay rights activists with raw eggs and sprayed them with ketchup after fistfights broke out between opposing groups, the state-owned RIA Novosti reported.

Parliament's lower chamber adjourned until Thursday instead of discussing and voting on the measure in first reading.

The legislation bans promotion of homosexual, lesbian, bisexual and transgender practices among minors and stipulates that "gay propaganda" should be view as an administrative offense.

It set up fines of as much as $170 for individuals, $1,700 for officials and $17,000 for legal entities.