Russia Bans Advocacy for LGBT+ Community, Labels Queer Groups Extremist

The Russian Supreme Court has issued a sweeping prohibition on activities aimed at advocating for the rights of LGBT+ individuals, imposing penalties of up to 10 years in prison for such actions. This ruling officially designates and bans queer groups in Russia as extremists.

In response to a request from the Ministry of Justice, the Russian Supreme Court has affirmed the ban on any form of advocacy for the LGBT+ community. The declaration of extremism means that even innocuous gatherings of LGBT+ individuals, such as a simple tea session, can now lead to police raids and arrests.

The Russian Justice Department is set to categorise the “Global Social Movement LGBT+” as an extremist group and is determined to outlaw any activities associated with them. This move represents Russia’s latest endeavour to suppress and eliminate the presence of LGBT+ individuals in the country.

The Supreme Court issued a stern warning stating, “Those found violating this ruling could face imprisonment for up to five years. Those managing LGBT+ groups or providing financial support could be sentenced for up to ten years.”

During the four-hour review of the Ministry of Justice’s request, journalists were denied entry to the session. Only the Minister of Justice and judges from the Supreme Court were present; no legal representation from the LGBT+ community or their advocates attended. Under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, particularly in recent years, Russia has increasingly marginalised LGBT+ individuals, enforcing a series of oppressive laws against them.

The Associated Press reports that the case is confidential, with the Ministry of Justice providing no evidence for its request. Authorities asserted the presence of “signs and manifestations of extremist nature” within the LGBT+ movement, accusing them of “inciting social and religious conflicts.”

“Preserving Traditional Moral Values Contradictory to Deviant Western Society in Russia”

It is anticipated that President Vladimir Putin will soon nominate himself for the March 2024 elections to secure another six years in power. Particularly in the last decade, Putin has portrayed Russia as a guardian of traditional moral values in contrast to the deviant Western society.

Reuters reported that in a speech last year, Putin stated, “The West accepts behaviours, in my view, very strange and bizarre, such as dozens of genders and [protest marches] of Pride, but it has no right to impose them on other countries.”

In Russia, over a hundred groups have been classified as “extremist groups” and officially prohibited. Among these groups is a branch of Christianity and the religious movement of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Organisations associated with the imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny have also been labelled extremist and banned.

In this manner, Putin vilifies members of the LGBT+ community, homosexuals, bisexuals, or transgender individuals as symbols of hatred. This tactic aims to divert public anger toward these individuals instead of viewing rulers like him as contributors to society’s problems.

The Kremlin spokesperson announced that the government did not pursue the Ministry of Justice’s request. However, simultaneously, the Russian Supreme Court not only accepted the ministry’s request but also ordered the immediate enforcement of their ruling. Supreme Courts often give governments months to align their laws, regulations, and procedures with court judgments.”

“Consequences of Labelling LGBT+ Movement Extremist Deemed Catastrophic”

In a press statement titled ‘Russia: Court’s Declaration of LGBT+ Movement as Extremist Will Have Catastrophic Consequences,’ Amnesty International, quoting Marie Strutters, Director of Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, described the recent court ruling as ‘shameful and hollow,’ indicative of a new front in Russia’s campaign against the LGBT+ community. The decision poses a uniform danger of prohibiting LGBT+ organisations altogether, simultaneously violating extensive rights to freedom of assembly, expression, peaceful assembly, and freedom from discrimination. This ruling is poised to impact countless individuals, with its consequences nothing short of catastrophic.

Amnesty International also highlighted that not only are civil society groups at risk under this Supreme Court ruling but also any ‘public association’ with individuals in this community, regardless of their involvement in civil activities or assumed affiliation, could have severe repercussions.

Alexei Sergeyev, an LGBT+ activist from St. Petersburg, Russia, had previously told Reuters that the actions undertaken in the court could hinder any legal support and mental well-being for individuals in this community. Even a ‘tea gathering’ could be transformed into an underground activity. Describing the situation of queer individuals in Russia, he wrote, ‘They either resort to suicide or end up in a harrowing situation – their lifespan decreases, and their health deteriorates. They turn to alcohol or smoke more, attempting to come to terms with this harsh reality.'”