Supporters of the bill, which is strongly backed by the powerful Russian Orthodox Church, argue that Russia is a non-Western and "conservative" democracy that defends traditional values and shields the feelings of the majority from the aggressive encroachments of pushy minorities. They say they're not out to persecute gay people, but that they must not be allowed to bring their sexual orientation into the open, where it may influence the attitudes of minors and offend the beliefs of most Russians.While I know Russia doesn't have a real democracy at this time, I can't say I really disagree with this. I think a lot of traditional Russian people see what is going on in much of the West and find it utterly revolting. Good grief, even the Boy Scouts are about to be destroyed by this aggressive, obnoxious gay agenda.