Russia's parliament is to this Friday begin debating a proposed law which could see gay people jailed for holding hands or kissing in public. The proposed law follows one which passed in 2013 banning "gay propaganda", interpreted as equating gay relationships and lifestyles with heterosexual ones. Polling over the past 15 years has shown the general Russian population seeing gays as increasingly dangerous to society. The new law would see fines meted out to those showing same-sex affection with jail terms possible if the 'offense' is committed where children see it. Human Rights Watch in Russia says the further ban on public expression of homosexuality could "further escalate the rabid homophobia and transphobia in Russia, putting lgbt Russians at further risk of violence and discrimination."