This week read about France passing a bill that would ban conversion therapy, and LGBT Ukrainians ready to fight for the country if Russia invades.
France To Criminalize Conversion Therapy
New legislation in France has made it illegal to conduct so-called "conversion therapy" to try to change LGBT people's sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to BBC, the bill was unanimously approved by the National Assembly, with 142 votes in favor and 0 votes against.
Anyone found guilty under the new rule faces fines of up to €30,000 ($33,693.45) and up to two years in prison.
President Emmanuel Macron applauded the decision, writing on Twitter that "being oneself is not a crime."
The measure had previously received overwhelming support in France's upper chamber, the Senate, where it was enacted by a vote of 305 to 28, with only the conservative Republicans party voting against it.
After Macron signs the measure, it will go into effect in the following 14 days.
LGBT Ukrainians Ready To Defend If Russia Invades
Photo via Adobe.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia rise, LGBT people in Ukraine are fearful of what is to come.
According to PinkNews, Ukraine and Russia have been at odds since 2014, but there are worries the situation may escalate after Russia has moved tens of thousands of troops to Ukraine's border.
Since then, the United States has placed 8,500 soldiers on alert in Ukraine in case the crisis develops, and NATO has announced the deployment of ships and fighter planes to Eastern Europe in preparation for a possible battle.
Many are prepared to fight if necessary — they have a patriotic feeling of duty to their nation — but they are also acutely aware that the struggle for LGBT rights may be pushed to the back burner.
“On this point we are united,” said the Director of Kyiv Pride Lenny Emson. “It doesn’t matter what your gender identity is, your sexual orientation — all together, we are stepping forward.”
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