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British Ad Agency Sends Gay Russian Dolls to Kremlin

The matryoshkas include a large purple Elton John (far left) and the smallest doll, Tom Daley (far right).

The British-based ad agency Mother London has created a "nontraditional" set of matryoskha Russian dolls featuring five of the country's best known gay icons — and will send a set to the Kremlin.

Pop stars Elton John and George Michael, television hosts Stephen Fry and Graham Norton and Olympic diver Tom Daley all feature in the collection, the company's website said.

Mother's unique Christmas campaign comes after Russia passed a law banning the propaganda to minors. Concerns have been raised in the West that the law has led to heightened discrimination against the Russian LGBT community.

Because no British-Russian interaction is complete without a reference to James Bond, the ad agency noted the harsh treatment of gay people in the country and said, "This Christmas, Mother is sending something To Russia With Love."

The dolls will be auctioned online at a dedicated website between Dec. 13 to Dec. 22, with proceeds going to The Kaleidoscope Trust, a charity that works to uphold LGBT rights internationally.

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