Putin proposes constitutional ban of same-sex marriage

Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a draft amendment to the country’s constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, among a number of other suggested constitutional changes.
The measure ‘‘would fix the status of marriage as a union between a man and a woman’’ said the lower house of parliament’s Vice Speaker Pyotr Tolstoy, before adding that ‘‘I am happy that this amendment has appeared under the signature of the head of state.”
A Russian federal law, adopted in 2013 and signed by Putin, already bans what is considered to be promotion or display of homosexuality.
Other amendments in the 24-page document submitted by the President included naming Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union, enshrining the mention of Russians’ ‘‘faith in God’’ and ensuring the “defence of historical truth” regarding the Soviet role in the second world war. Moreover, the cession of Russian territory to foreign powers would be proscribed.
In January, Putin announced plans to make changes to the country’s constitution for the first time since 1993, a move that critics said is an attempt to hold on to power after his presidential term ends in 2024.
A parliamentary vote on the draft is expected to take place next week ahead of a nationwide referendum on 22 April.