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Rammstein band members kissing on stage in Russia. rammsteinofficial/Instagram
Du kisst

Rammstein band members kiss on stage in Moscow in defiance of Russia anti-LGBTQ laws

Russia has a law banning the distribution of materials on ‘non-traditional’ relationships among minors.

GUITARISTS IN GERMAN rock band Rammstein kissed on stage in Moscow on 29 July, potentially breaching Russian anti-gay laws. 

The kiss took place at the band’s concert in Moscow on 29 July. Rammstein posted a picture of the kiss between guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe on Instagram with the caption: Russia, we love you!’

This is not the first time the band members have kissed while performing. Video footage shows another interaction in Berlin earlier this year. 

Rammstein are a German six-person rock band known for hit singles such as ‘Engel’ and ‘Du Hast’. They were formed in 1994 in Berlin. 

The Russian gay propaganda law was enacted by President Vladamir Putin in 2013. This prohibits the distribution of materials containing “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” among minors.

It is a punishable offence in the country. Under breach of the law, foreigners may be arrested or fined up to 5,000 rubles.

This law has been condemned by the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. 

“It is aimed at allowing people to reach maturity and then decide who they are and how they want to live. There are no restrictions at all after this,” said Russian president Vladamir Putin in a recent interview

Rammstein are currently touring around Europe and will be performing tomorrow night in Saint Petersburg. 

It is unclear whether the band will face charges over the incident under Russian law. 

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