ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – Last week, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak backed a controversial regional bill proposed by the ruling United Russia party to issue fines for “propaganda of homosexuality.”

In St. Petersburg, Kozak said he supported the bid to introduce fines for “disgusting activity,” according to the Vancouver Sun. Kozak went even further, suggesting the bill should be considered for inclusion in national legislation.

The bill proposed by United Russia would introduce fines of up to 50,000 rubles ($1,625) for “public acts aimed at promoting homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgender identity to minors.”