Ikea drops lifestyle website in Russia over 'gay propaganda' law

Ikea is to close down its online lifestyle magazine in Russia over fears it will fall foul of the country's laws which bans the promotion of gay values to minors.

In a statement on its website, the Swedish firm said some of the articles on Ikea Family Live may be regarded as "propaganda" under the law in Russia and therefore they had taken the decision to drop the online publication.

Article 6:21 was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin in June 2013, making the distribution of "propaganda" among minors that is in support of "non-traditional sexual relationships" an offence.

In a statement, Ikea said: "Filling the magazine is the same for all 25 countries in which it is published.

"Ikea Family Live shows different aspects of people's lives at home, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and religion.

"The magazine reflects the values of the company Ikea, including equal rights and opportunities for all. We strive to talk about people with different lifestyles, different values, traditions, habits and interests.

"The journal is intended for a family audience, and does not have, and in our opinion should not have, an age limit. We also believe that our readers are free to determine which publications can be for them interesting or useful.

"Nevertheless, we understand that a number of publications in our magazine can be regarded as propaganda in accordance with Article 6.21 on the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations among minors.

"In business, we observe the laws of the countries in which we operate, so in order to avoid disturbances, we have decided to cease production of magazine in Russia."