The proposal, which was crafted by the Ministry for Culture and Mass Communications, reportedly defines pornography as a “detailed naturalistic image, a verbal description or a demonstration of a sexual intercourse and genitals with a view to arouse sexual excitement of a human being,” according to Pravda. Under the proposal, erotica is defined as “the demonstration of sexual relations between humans, which do not contain elements of pornography.”
In similar fashion to the “Miller Test” for obscenity in the U.S., the proposal would exempt educational and medical works, as well as material with “scientific and artistic value,” from being classified as pornographic.
The proposal includes a ban on the sale of pornography that depicts bestiality, underage performers, and necrophilia. The bill would also prohibit violent pornography and use or depiction of state symbols and architectural monuments in such materials.
The measure reportedly would allow broadcast of erotic programs between 1 a.m.-5 a.m., and prohibit all manner of pornography from being distributed over the Internet in Russia. Currently, pornography is permissible on Internet in Russia, with the exception of child pornography, the display of which carries a punishment of up to eight years in prison.