Russians consider 'Beauty and the Beast' ban over 'gay propaganda'

March 4 (UPI) -- Russian officials are reviewing a possible ban of Hollywood's Beauty and the Beast because the live-action movie features a gay character, a first for Disney.

The BBC reported Russian law prohibits the spreading of "gay propaganda" among minors. The big-screen fairytale shows the sidekick LeFou, played by Josh Gad, with a same-sex crush on the villain Gaston, played by Luke Evans.

Bill Condon, who helmed the movie, confirmed Beauty and the Beast contains an "exclusively gay moment." The film is set for release in Russia on March 16 and in the United States on March 17.

The Telegraph said Russian Parliament member Vitaly Milonov has called for a government screening to take place before the movie opens to the public.

"As soon as we get a copy of the film with relevant paperwork for distribution, we will consider it according to the law," Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky told the BBC.