Putin signs total ban on LGBT 'propaganda'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning so-called "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, gender reassignment and pedophilia," state media reported.

It is now illegal in Russia to mention relationships deemed inappropriate on social media, television, movies or advertising, according to state-owned outlet Tass on Monday, as translated.

That same day, Putin signed a law instituting "heavy administrative fines" for those promoting allegedly inappropriate sexual relations, the outlet also stated.

Stores are removing books about "non-traditional relations" while authors are being asked to rewrite works dealing with such topics in order to comply with the law, The Moscow Times reported Tuesday.

Films deemed to be promoting alleged non-traditional relationships will be unable to receive a certificate for distribution.

The new laws expanded a 2013 law banning LGBT-related information from being disseminated to children. The new ban on "propaganda" extends to the entire population.