Metro Weekly

Russian politician: Naked statue on banknote is gay propaganda

100-rouble note features statue of partially-nude Apollo

“You can see clearly that Apollo is naked, you can see his genitalia.”

Russia100rubles04front (2)

Roman Khudyakov, speaking with Reuters Television. A member of parliament for Russia’s nationalist LPDR party, Khudyakov wants Russia’s central bank to remove the image of Greek god Apollo from the 100-rouble note. The image, taken from the statue of Apollo that stands outside the Bolshoi theatre, features a partially disrobed Apollo — his genitals are visible to those who look hard enough. Mr Khudyakov did so, and now wants the image removed to bring it “into line with the law protecting children” — specifically, one which bans “homosexual propaganda.”

Image Credit: Outlamed

1200px-Russia100rubles04front

Support Metro Weekly’s Journalism

These are challenging times for news organizations. And yet it’s crucial we stay active and provide vital resources and information to both our local readers and the world. So won’t you please take a moment and consider supporting Metro Weekly with a membership? For as little as $5 a month, you can help ensure Metro Weekly magazine and MetroWeekly.com remain free, viable resources as we provide the best, most diverse, culturally-resonant LGBTQ coverage in both the D.C. region and around the world. Memberships come with exclusive perks and discounts, your own personal digital delivery of each week’s magazine (and an archive), access to our Member's Lounge when it launches this fall, and exclusive members-only items like Metro Weekly Membership Mugs and Tote Bags! Check out all our membership levels here and please join us today!