Journalist Misha Friedman on Homophobia in Russia

For his Pulitzer Center project, "Official Homophobia in Russia," photojournalist Misha Friedman traveled to several provincial cities to report on how LGBT communities have been affected by the amendment to Russia's Child Protection law passed in June of 2014.

The amendment criminalizes what it calls “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors.” Its ambiguity and selective use effectively make it illegal for any kind of gay event to take place or to even mention acceptance of homosexuality in public.

The new amendment has already led to a significant increase in hate crimes. Gay activists are routinely attacked; there have been reports of murders—and the police turn a blind eye.