Heavy Metal Ban Defies Russian Law, Kisses on Stage

Metal band Rammstein pushed back against Russia's gay propaganda laws when two members shared a kiss on stage during a Moscow concert.

Concert video shows guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe sneak a smooch at the end of performing "Auslander." Rolling Stonereports the on-stage moment took place during a show at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The band later shared a photo of the kiss on its Instagram page, along with the message "Russia, we love you!"

Both Landers and Kruspe have both been married to women, and seemed to kiss in explicit protest of Russia's notorious propaganda laws, which have been deemed discriminatory in European courts but continue on appeal. Russian authorities, who have threatened visiting tourists with fines and jail time over outward displays of LGBTQ affection, do not appear to have taken any action against the rockers. Rammstein will play its next show tonight in St. Petersburg.

The act of defiance comes as Eastern Europe sees public friction over the advancement of tolerance. As Rammstein has toured the region, members have responded to news with expressions of support.

For example, the band flew a rainbow flag during a Polish show just after Bialystok's first-ever Pride parade sparked violent counter-protests. The Russian shows come as Russian authorities investigate the murder of LGBTQ activist Yelena Grigoryeva after being featured on a website encouraging the hunting and torture of gays.