Russia has ruled that despite the controversial ‘gay propaganda’ law – same-sex couple emojis will be allowed to remain on iPhones.

Moscow’s City Court has thrown out a lawsuit that was seeking to fine Apple 1 million rubles, and to ban all operations by the company in the country.

Russian senator Mikhail Marchenko claimed the popular emoticons were a violation of Russia’s ‘gay propaganda’ law which bans the promotion of ‘non-traditional relationships’ to minors.

He added that the illustrations “denied family values” and showed “disrespect for parents and other family members”.

However, the suit was unsuccessful, as the court found the emojis were open to interpretation and might not be considered homosexual, but simply referr to friendship.

The emoji set was first introduced in April 2015, and includes same-sex parents with children, couples kissing and couples holding hands.