The magazine, which is published by the Alma Media group, turned down a half-page ad for dtm featuring two men, the club’s address and social media sites, and Russian text.
dtm’s restaurant director Markku Valtanen said that the ad was turned down a week ago because of concerns over Russia’s law prohibiting the distribution of ‘gay propaganda’. Valtanen says the decision is discriminatory.
"We have asked for guidance on how the ad should be done," said Valtanen, who says his company avoided nudity and the word ‘gay’.
"The advert still wasn’t published," said Valtanen, who had hoped to attract Russians keen to experience greater freedom in Helsinki. Following the refusal dtm has launched a fundraising effort to support LGBT groups in Russia.
Neither VR nor Alma media responded to requests for comment on the matter.