A group of Russian MPs (members of parliament) want to ban a video game for what it’s calling ‘gay propaganda.’
Soccer simulation ‘FIFA 17’ is one of game developer EA’s most popular titles. The studio recently sparked the ire of Russian MPs by offering — gasp — rainbow-colored kits (uniforms) as an optional download. The kits aren’t part of the core gameplay and are intended to be a symbolic gesture to support ‘Rainbow Laces Campaign’ — an LGBT group that aims to stop homophobia in sports.
According to a report by The Guardian (originally from Russian newspaper Izvestia) Russian MPs have contacted the Roskomnadzor (Russia’s FCC, essentially) to say the game “invites users to support the English football premier league’s Rainbow Laces action, a massive campaign in support of LGBT.’ The MPs want the Roskomnadzor to look into possible violations and ensure EA — the studio behind the successful series — isn’t breaking any laws.
Proponents feel that EA’s support of the campaign constitutes gay propaganda, a problem they feel is compounded by the lack of an age gate to access the ‘offensive’ content.
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