A Russian scientific journal editor says a book on animal sexual behavior was censored for failing to condemn same-sex behavior in animals. Viktor Kovylin, editor of Batrachospermum (bat-RAK-oh-SPUR-mum) Magazine, wrote in a recent post that his publisher demanded changes, arguing neutral references violated Russia’s “LGBT propaganda” law. According to Kovylin, the publisher claimed the content was illegal because it did not show disgust or criticism toward homosexuality in animals. While Kovylin did not name the publisher, Novaya Gazeta reported that previous books from the journal were published by Eksmo-AST.
Russia has expanded its LGBT propaganda laws since 2013, including a 2022 ban on most public expressions of LGBTQ+ life and a 2023 Supreme Court ruling labeling the international LGBT social movement as extremist. Scientists note that same-sex behavior in animals is well documented. A prior study of primates found such behavior helps reduce conflict and strengthen social bonds. Study author Vincent Savolainen of Imperial College London said: “What we found shows that same-sex is not like something bizarre, aberrant or rare. It’s everywhere, it’s very useful, it’s very important.”
