'Sexual deviants' barred from driving in Russia

The Russian government has published a list of "medical deviations" which disqualify those affected from driving.

The list includes all transgender people, bi-gender, asexuals, transvestites, cross dressers and people seeking sex reassignment. “Voyeurism, fetishism and exhibitionism” are also listed amongst the "mental disorders" which will prevent people from obtaining a Russian driver's license are .

Strangely, the list also includes persons under 150cm in height, as well as those"diagnosed" with "pathological" gambling and compulsive stealing.

The Russian government claims it has increased its stringent medical requirements for drivers due to its climbing rate of road accidents.

The move has been criticized by the Association of Russian Lawyers for Human Rights, which is considering appealing to the Russian Constitutional Court and international human rights organisations for assistance.

There are fears that the restrictions will push psychiatric sufferers underground as people would avoid seeking psychiatric help to avoid a driving ban. 

Psychiatric experts have also criticised the definition of "personality disorders" as too vague adding that some disorders would not affect a person's ability to drive a car safely.

Russia’s Professional Drivers Union welcomed the move, however. "We have too many deaths on the road, and I believe toughening medical requirements for applicants is fully justified,"  commented Alexander Kotov, who occupies the top position at the Union, adding however, that it believes that the requirements should be less strict for non-professional drivers.