- The Supreme Court issued the ruling in Moscow and the judge said the order was effective immediately
Russia today banned the “international LGBT movement” on the grounds that it is an extremist group, a move that cements a long crackdown on the community as the Kremlin promotes conservative social values.
Over the last decade, President Vladimir Putin has urged Russians to adhere to the conservative social values promoted by the Orthodox Church.
The Supreme Court handed down the verdict today in Moscow.
It did not say whether specific people or organizations would be affected by the ruling.
The judge ruled that “the international LGBT movement and its subdivisions” were extremist and issued a “ban on its activities on the territory of Russia.”
The move is part of a series of restrictive measures introduced by Vladimir Putin regarding sexual orientation and gender identity (file photo)
He said the order was effective immediately.
When applied to individuals, the term “extremist” means that gay, lesbian, transgender or queer people living in Russia face years in prison.
The hearing took place behind closed doors and without the presence of a defense, Russian media reported before the verdict was announced.
“One day it will be over, but now we must try to live on and save ourselves,” the anti-war feminist Resistance, which criticizes Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine, responded to the verdict on social media.
LGBT activists wave their flags during a rally to annul the results of voting on constitutional amendments in Moscow, Russia, July 15, 2023
Other NGOs, including transgender rights group Center T, said they would publish safety guidelines for members of the LGBTQ community.
Its director, Yan Dvorkin, who fled Russia for safety reasons, called the trial a “new low of madness.”
Russia’s conservative turn accelerated after it deployed troops to Ukraine last year.
Dvorkin said he believes LGBTQ people are being used as scapegoats by Russian authorities.
“They are losing the war.” This makes people very frustrated and dissatisfied with the government. It’s very easy to take that anger out on LGBTQ people.”
Alexei NavalnyGay and lesbian rights