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

London [UK], Dec. 6 (ANI): Russian parliamentarians have asked concerned state agencies to take action against the FIFA 17 video game for violating law against gay propaganda and suggested to ban the game in the country. The 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", reports the Guardian. The letter said that such propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations can cause "harm to children's health and development". 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 percent of fans had heard anti-LGBT remarks at games over the past five years. EA Sports also backed the campaign by allowing FIFA 17 players to obtain free rainbow-coloured uniforms for their virtual footballers in the game's ultimate team mode. This action expired on 28 November. The parliamentarians even suggested that the FIFA 17 could be banned in Russia. Communist MP Valery Rashkin said that, following the investigation, the authorities should order the game's developer, EA Canada, to "introduce changes to the programming code or the age classification of this information product, and if it refuses, adopt corresponding restrictive measures". In October, the communications oversight agency blacklisted the website of Deti 404, a group that posts messages of support by and for LGBT teenagers. Communist MPs introduced legislation in 2015 to fine or jail anyone who comes out or speaks of their homosexuality in public. (ANI)