OSCAR ACTRESS RISKS ARREST OVER GAY SUPPORT IN MOSCOW

Oscar-winning actress Tilda Swinton has risked being arrested under a recently enacted anti-gay law after she unfurled a rainbow flag in front of the Kremlin in Moscow.

The 52-year-old British star, best known for her role as the White Witch in the Narnia movies, tweeted the photo, with a comment that read: “In solidarity. From Russia with love.”

The Russian authorities have been cracking down on LGBT visibility and rights, with Moscow repeatedly refusing to allow gay Pride events from being held in the city.

Any efforts to stage LGBT protests or demonstrations have resulted in arrests and often attacks by right-wing radicals.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a bill into law that bans any positive depiction of homosexuality or support for LGBTI rights that might be seen by minors. The ban applies to public activities, the press, television, radio, and the internet.

Under the law, which is now in effect, foreigners like Swinton are liable to be deported, in addition to being fined.

Similar laws banning “homosexual propaganda” among minors have been previously adopted in at least 10 Russian regions.

On Wednesday, Putin also signed a law banning foreign gay and lesbian couples and any individuals living in countries that have legalised same-sex marriages from adopting Russian children to avoid them experiencing “complexes, emotional suffering and stress”.

Swinton has been noted for her often androgynous appearance. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton in 2007. She has also been nominated for Golden Globe awards for her performances in The Deep End and We Need to Talk About Kevin.