State Duma deputy Alexei Zhuravlev has suggested blocking approximately 20 emoji in Russia due to their promotion of non-traditional values, as reported by the Rossiy newspaper.
Zhuravlev has voiced concerns regarding emoji that depict same-sex families with children, kisses between men and women, pregnant men, men in wedding dresses with a mustache, and women with beards. Of particular worry is the fact that children have access to these emoji and frequently send them to one another.
The deputy highlighted the existing law on the ban on LGBT propaganda, stating that these emoticons and emoji can be considered as a form of real propaganda. Zhuravlev justified the need for the ban by pointing out the immense popularity of social networks and messengers on the Internet. He believes that measures must be taken to remove these emoticons and prohibit their use in Russia.