The country’s politicians think the film may violate the local gay propaganda law.
It’s possible that the film Beauty and the Beast, where LeFou is portrayed as Disney’s first gay character, won’t be screened in Russia. The measure is proposed by odious politician Vitaly Milonov. According to Milonov, Josh Gad's character with homosexual inclinations may breach the much-criticised Russian law against gay propaganda among minors.
The film’s director Bill Condon said last week his movie would include a gay moment showing LeFou having feelings for his friend Gaston played by Luke Evans.
Vitaly Milonov, a member of the ruling party, calls on Russian minister of culture Vladimir Medisnky to check if the film violates the notorious law. If violations are found, the movie may be banned from screening in the country.
“As soon as we get a copy of the film with relevant paperwork for distribution, we will consider it according to the law,” Russia’s minister of culture said.
The film faces the same ban in Alabama, a traditionally conservative state. One of theatres refused to screen Beauty and the Beast due to homosexual character LeFou. Changes in the inner rhetoric of the US executive branch obviously play their role here, as Donald Trump’s rise to power made domestic policy shift to social conservatism.
Commenting on his character’s homosexuality, Josh Gad said questions about the nature of his sexuality added some dimension to his character and made him more complex.
The world premiere of Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens is scheduled for March 17. The film is due to be released in Russia on March 16.
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