To some Russian politicians, “FIFA 17″ isn’t just video game about soccer — it might also be a tool of “gay propaganda” that violates a controversial 2013 Russian law that banned the promotion of “nontraditional sexual relations” to children.
“It is crucial to verify that ‘FIFA 17′ is compliant (with the law) for the game’s stated age group,” Russian MP Valery Rashkin told Russian news service Izvestia on Monday about the game that’s rated suitable for all ages.
At the center of the controversy is the video game’s recent support of the “Rainbow Laces” campaign, a Stonewall initiative that seeks to make soccer inclusive to people of all backgrounds. For a limited time, “FIFA 17″ allowed players to download a rainbow-hued kit to support the campaign, which also simultaneously found real-life support in the English Premier League.
During its matches on the weekend of Nov. 25, the Premier League promoted “Rainbow Laces” by displaying the initiative’s rainbow-colored logo prominently on advertising boards and on its social media accounts. “FIFA 17,” which most recently offered a temporary download to players who wanted to honor the Chapecoense soccer players who died in plane crash, ended its “Rainbow Laces” download on Nov. 28, roughly the same time the Premier League’s promotion ended.
The temporary time frame of the promotion does not appear to matter to Rashkin or the other members of Russia’s parliament who are concerned. On Monday, the group of mostly Communist Party members, penned a letter to a federal communications oversight committee, requesting it review the game, and possibly ban it.
“The results of the investigation will show if the game’s developer (EA Sports) complies with the Russian legislation,” Rashkin said.
If not, Rashkin suggests the Russian government should demand the developer either change the game or impose age restrictions on the game.
Former figure skater and three-time Olympic gold medalist Irina Rodina, who now represents Russia President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party on parliament, supports the investigation, but told Izvestia the onus shouldn’t be on the developers, but the state, which “has its own internal laws and regulations.”
The Washington Post has reached out to EA Sports for comment.
Russia, which came under scrutiny for its treatment of LGBT people in the run-up to its hosting of the 2014 Olympics, passed the law “For the Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values” in 2013 to limit children’s exposure to sexual “relations not conducive to procreation.” Those found violating the law are subject to hefty fines.
(c) 2016, The Washington Post · Marissa Payne
