Russian Bill Taking Children Away From Gay Parents Withdrawn

A bill that sought to define gay men and lesbians as unfit to parent has been withdrawn by its sponsor.

According to state-run news agency RIA-Novosti, Alexei Zhuravlev, a member of Russia's lower house of parliament, withdrew the proposed legislation.

However, a spokeswoman for Zhuravlev said that the lawmaker planned on reintroducing the measure with revisions.

“Anyway, we are interested in passing the bill,” the spokeswoman said.

According to figures included in Zhuravlev's bill, between 2.3 and 3.3 million Russians face losing their children if the measure is approved.

In introducing his bill, Zhuravlev said that “gay propaganda” had to be banned not only in the public space “but also in the family,” a reference to a law approved in June that prohibits the promotion of gay rights among minors.

In an interview with Russian glossy Sloan, Zhuravlev defended his proposal.

“We view Europe as Sodom and Gomorrah,” he said. “Europe must not tell us how to live. The Europeans can live any way they like, but they mustn't tell us what to do.”

“Homosexuals must not raise children,” Zhuravlev continued. “They corrupt them. They do them much more harm than if the child were in an orphanage. I am deeply convinced of this.”