The state censorship agency of Russia is looking to ban the video game because of a limited edition rainbow kit, started by Stonewall to show support for the LGBT community in the game.
Their argument is that it violates the countries anti-LGBT propaganda laws since it “invites users to support the English football premier league’s Rainbow Laces action, a massive campaign in support of LGBT”. MPs of President Putin’s United Russia party, and the communist party, have sent a letter to the authorities encouraging them to take action on the matter since such propaganda can cause“harm to children’s health and development”. MP Valery Rashkin has stated that they should order EA to “introduce changes to the programming code or the age classification of this information product, and if it refuses, adopt corresponding restrictive measures”.
Russia’s anti-propaganda laws affect more than just statements made by games, the law put into place in 2013 prohibiting LGBT people from coming out publicly, people from supporting LGBT people publicly coming out, and holding Pride Parades.
Just months ago, a Russian LGBT Teen Support website was blacklisted by the media watchdog, Roskomdazor. The website provided help and support for young people in Russia questioning their sexuality.
It is unlikely EA will make any changes to the game, as they have a history of standing on the supportive side of LGBT rights.
