MOSCOW, December 6 - RAPSI. Russia's lower house might start considering the bill stipulating fines of up to 500,000 rubles ($16,220) for promoting homosexualism among under-aged on December 19, State Duma spokesperson Yelena Mizulina said on Thursday.

"We are planning to consider the bill in its first reading on December 19, if nothing goes wrong," Mizulina said. The second and third readings are expected to be held in the spring of 2013.

Pursuant to the bill, an ordinary citizen might be fined by up to 5,000 rubles ($162), officials - up to 50,000 rubles ($1,660). The biggest fine is stipulated for legal entities; their fine might amount to up to 500,000 rubles ($16,220).

Mizulina does not rule out that by the end of the second consideration of the bill, fine amounts might be adjusted if found not large enough.
When explaining what particularly is implied under "propaganda", Mizulina said that this must be a direct agitation and justification of homosexual behavior.

She stressed that propaganda of homosexual relations is not acceptable for Russia, particularly among under-aged, because the overwhelming majority of the population is totally against that.

On Thursday the hearings were held devoted to improving the legislation on protecting children from sexual exploitation. Criminal liability has been proposed for such propaganda.

But the chairman of the committee for family, women and children affairs found fines are enough.