The new legislation comes on the heels of protest rallies preceding Putin's inauguration earlier this month. Russia has previously been criticized for stifling free expression. Earlier this month prominent Russian gay rights activist Nikolai Alekeyev became the first to be convicted under a St. Petersburg city ordinance that prohibits the spreading "homosexual propaganda" to minors. Alekeyev was arrested in April [JURIST report] for picketing in front of city hall with a sign that said "homosexuality is not perversion." People who oppose the new law, which was introduced in November and signed into law [JURIST reports] in March, claim it will prevent gay rights groups from being able to assemble in public. Alekeyev said he plans to appeal the ruling.