Russia’s second largest city Saint Petersburg approved a bill that will “impose fines of up to $16,700 for the ‘promotion of homosexuality.'”

Perezhilton reports that  if the bill is signed in to law by St. Petersburg’s Mayor—will criminalize reading, writing, speaking or reporting on anything related to gay, lesbian bi or trans people, and will make illegal almost all activity related to defending or promoting LGBT equality. Pride parades, literature, or NGOs that openly serve LGBT people will be wiped out, or pushed underground.

AllOut.org made a massive international call-in campaign in an effort to stop this, but unfortunately it was to no avail. Not only that, but several LGBT rights activists were arrested outside St. Petersburg’s parliament building while protesting.

AllOut.org’s Executive Director Andre Banks:

“This bill, which would violate Russia’s own constitution as well as any number of international treaties, is an outrageous attack on the freedom of expression for all Russians – straight and gay. It must not be allowed to stand.”

“Last year, 250,000 All Out members around the world raised their voices and stood in solidarity with the brave men and women in Russia, who refused to be used as a political scapegoats and forced into the shadows. Today we will make certain that phones across the world are ringing off the hook—and that the voices demanding equality are louder than those of bigotry and hate.”

In a further effort to fight this bill, AllOut.org members have planned an “international day of action in solidarity with LGBT-activists and allies in Russia” for today. There will also be more rallies and demonstrations in St. Petersburg.