Russian gay activists stand for election in challenge to ‘corrupt’ Vlaidmir Putin (LGBT)
Two gay Russians are standing for election to the countrys Parliament, in a challenge to the countrys ruling party.
Vladimir Putins United Russia Party continues to hold an iron grip on the country politically, holding 141 of the 170 seats in the upper house, alongside a majority in the Duma.
However, ahead of this months Duma elections, set to go ahead of 18 September, two unlikely candidates have put themselves forward.
Bulat Barantayev, of the pro-Europe Peoples Freedom Party (Parnas), is standing as an anti-corruption candidate in the Novosibirsk constituency.
Mr Barantayev, who has called for Putin to be impeached and corruption purged from government, is taking a bold stand as an openly gay candidate.
It might be the first time an openly gay person has run for election.
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