MOSCOW — Walt Disney Co was warned by Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor against distributing content it said was harmful to the country’s children with its release of a short film, “Out,” which features a gay main character.
Roskomnadzor said it had sent a letter to Disney noting that it was against Russian law to distribute information which “denies family values and promotes non-traditional sexual relationships” to children.
“Out” was released on Disney+ in the United States last year.
Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Russia, but a 2013 law bans disseminating “propaganda on non-traditional sexual relations” among young Russians.
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Human rights groups have condemned the legislation, saying it has helped increase social hostility towards homosexuality.
A Russian prosecutor on Monday called for Dolce & Gabbana Instagram advertisements showing same-sex couples kissing to be banned in the country.