Russia Passes Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Forcing First Trans Politician to Withdraw Governor Bid

Russia's first openly transgender politician, Yulia Alyoshina, dropped her bid for governor due to lack of support from an anti-LGBTQ bill banning gender affirming procedures.
The bill, approved by Russia's lower house of parliament, outlaws medical interventions and changes to gender in official documents, aiming to protect "traditional values."
Alyoshina was unable to gather enough signatures to run in the election due to the bill eroding her support.
LGBTQ+ groups face increasing pressure in Russia as President Putin and the Orthodox Church promote "traditional values.
The bill is expected to pass in Russia's parliament as over 400 of 450 members support it.