Rejoice! Russia Won't Ban Gay iPhone Emojis

Russian citizens will be able to enjoy Apple's iPhone diverse set of emojis, including ones that depict same-sex relationships, Gay Star News reports.

Moscow's City Court reportedly tossed out a lawsuit that aimed to fine Apple 1 million rubles ($140,301 USD) and ban the tech giant from Russia over its inclusive emojis, which feature same-sex couples.

Russian Senator Mikhail Marchenko said the icons are against the country's highly controversial "homosexual propaganda" laws, which Russian President Vladimir Putin approved in 2013.

Marchenko went on to say the emojis "promoted nontraditional sexual relationships," "denied family values" and showed "disrespect for parents and other family members."

But Moscow's City Court found the symbols were up for "interpretation" and the same-sex couples could be viewed as "friends," GSN writes via RIA Novosti.

The court also discussed what would happen if a child found the gay emojis by mistake but ruled the emojis did not violate the "gay propaganda law," which bans children from being exposed to "nontraditional" materials.

Back in Sept. it was reported Russia launched an investigation into Apple over the new emojis, which were an update into the company's iOS 8.3.