Lower Russian house of parliament passes ban on swearing in public performances

Russia's rich tradition of vulgar slang has long been a matter of pride for its authors and poets. Fyodor Dostoevsky once claimed a Russian could express his entire range of feelings with the swear word for the male sexual organ.

But a new ban on explicit language in public performances means that some of the country's best known directors, musicians and actors could face fines, and classic works of literature and cinema could be sold in special packaging with a warning sticker.

The lower house of parliament has passed a law banning foul language in public performances including film showings, plays and concerts. Audio, video and books containing swear words are required to be sold in special packaging featuring an explicit language warning.

Fines range from 2,500 roubles (HK$537) for ordinary citizens to 100,000 roubles for businesses. Repeat offences will lead to a suspension of up to one year for those who violate in an official capacity, or a 90-day cessation for commercial enterprises.

Although President Vladimir Putin must sign the law before it comes into effect, the president signed a similar law last year banning foul language in the media.

Just as that law was criticised for lacking a clear definition of foul language, the new legislation on artistic works does not specify which words will be banned. Instead, it proposes that "words and phrases not meeting the norms of modern Russian literary language" be determined by an independent panel of experts. It is not clear whether music and films that bleep out swear words would fall under the ban.