Russian MPs accuse FIFA 17 video game of 'gay propaganda'

Russian MPs have asked the state communications oversight agency to take action against the FIFA 17 video game for violating the country's law against gay propaganda. Communist MPs sent a letter to the communications oversight and state consumer protection agencies complaining that the popular EA Sports football game, which is rated all ages, "invites users to support the English football premier league's Rainbow Laces action, a massive campaign in support of LGBT", Izvestia newspaper reported. Premier League backs LGBT rainbow laces campaign for weekend's matches According to the 2013 law, such propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations can cause "harm to children's health and development", the letter said. The UK-based LGBT rights group Stonewall began the Rainbow Laces campaign last month to combat homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in football, noting that 72% of fans had heard anti-LGBT remarks at games over the past five years. Premier League matches and social media platforms have featured materials from the campaign.