Russia's deputy prime minister has reportedly said that politicians should consider adopting a controversial anti-gay bill.

The bill, which was tentatively approved by politicians in Russia's second largest city St Petersburg last month, calls for a fine of up to £1,000 for public actions that promote "pederasty, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgenderism among minors".

Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak was quoted by the Interfax news agency today as saying that "there is nothing more disgusting than propaganda of such things" and that national politicians "should think" about adopting the bill.

Gay rights activists say the bill could be used to ban any public actions by Russia's embattled and discriminated gay and transsexual community.

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