Russian authorities file lawsuit to outlaw LGBTQ+ ‘international public movement’ as extremist

Russian authorities file lawsuit to outlaw LGBTQ+ ‘international public movement’ as extremist

In a devastating blow to the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, the authorities have filed a lawsuit with the country’s Supreme Court to outlaw the “international public movement” as extremist. The Russian Justice Ministry claims to have identified signs of extremism in the activities of the LGBTQ+ movement, including incitement of social and religious discord. The scheduled hearing for the lawsuit will take place on November 30, with the implications for the LGBTQ+ community in Russia still uncertain. This move represents a significant escalation in the decade-long crackdown on gay rights in the country under President Vladimir Putin’s conservative rule. The actions taken by the Russian government, such as adopting restrictive legislation and outlawing same-sex marriage, have steadily eroded LGBTQ+ rights over time. With each step, the government has reinforced its commitment to “traditional family values” and presented a direct challenge to the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility and rights.

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Russian authorities file lawsuit to outlaw LGBTQ+ ‘international public movement’ as extremist

The Russian Justice Ministry recently announced that it has filed a lawsuit with the nation’s Supreme Court to declare the LGBTQ+ ‘international public movement’ as extremist. This move is seen as another blow to the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, which has already faced numerous challenges in recent years. The ministry stated that there are “signs and manifestations of extremist nature” in the activities of the LGBTQ+ movement, including the “incitement of social and religious discord.” The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the lawsuit on November 30.

Background on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia

Over the past decade, Russia has been cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights, gradually eroding the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2013, the Russian government implemented the “gay propaganda” law, which banned any non-critical public depiction of “nontraditional sexual relations” among minors. This law marked the beginning of a sustained effort to curtail LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights

Introduction of ‘gay propaganda’ law

The “gay propaganda” law, enacted in 2013, prohibited the promotion of nontraditional sexual relations among minors. This law drew widespread criticism for its potential to stifle LGBTQ+ advocacy and expression and has further fueled discrimination against the community.

Banning same-sex marriage

In 2020, President Vladimir Putin pushed through a constitutional reform that not only extended his rule but also banned same-sex marriage. This move further solidified Russia’s stance against LGBTQ+ rights and restricted the legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

Increased rhetoric about protecting traditional values and the war in Ukraine

Following the Russian government’s military intervention in Ukraine, the Kremlin ramped up its rhetoric about protecting traditional values. The authorities used this narrative to legitimize the war and to justify their ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. The government portrayed the West’s influence as “degrading” and sought to position Russia as a defender of traditional values.

Banning propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among adults

In 2022, the Russian government passed a law that extended the ban on promoting nontraditional sexual relations to include adults. This law effectively prohibited any public endorsement or expression of LGBTQ+ identities, further ostracizing the community and limiting their freedoms of speech and assembly.

Prohibition of gender transitioning procedures and gender-affirming care

This year, Russia passed legislation that prohibited gender transitioning procedures and gender-affirming care for trans individuals. The law banned medical interventions aimed at changing a person’s sex and also made it impossible for individuals who had changed their gender to become foster or adoptive parents. These measures effectively denied trans individuals the right to access necessary healthcare services and further marginalized them within society.

Details of the lawsuit

The Russian Justice Ministry filed the lawsuit with the Supreme Court, citing signs and manifestations of an extremist nature in the LGBTQ+ movement’s activities. The ministry alleges that the movement has been inciting social and religious discord. The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the lawsuit on November 30.

Potential implications for LGBTQ+ people in Russia

It is currently unclear what the label of “extremist” would entail for LGBTQ+ people in Russia if the Supreme Court upholds the lawsuit. However, considering the country’s track record of cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights, the implications are likely to be severe. It could lead to further restrictions on LGBTQ+ advocacy, expression, and rights, leaving the community even more vulnerable to discrimination and violence.

Rejection of accusations of discrimination

Russian authorities have consistently denied accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people. A deputy justice minister, Andrei Loginov, argued that “the rights of LGBT people in Russia are protected” legally. He claimed that restraining public demonstrations of non-traditional sexual relationships is not a form of censorship. President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a culture-related event in St. Petersburg, acknowledged that LGBTQ+ individuals are part of society and entitled to recognition and appreciation in the arts and culture sector. However, neither Loginov nor Putin directly addressed the Justice Ministry’s lawsuit.

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International response and implications

The Russian government’s continued assault on LGBTQ+ rights has drawn condemnation and concern from international human rights organizations and governments. LGBTQ+ activists fear that if the Supreme Court declares the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, it could set a dangerous precedent that emboldens other governments to erode the rights of their LGBTQ+ populations. The international community must closely monitor the developments of this lawsuit and take necessary action to defend and protect the human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia and around the world.

Conclusion and future outlook

The Russian authorities’ lawsuit to outlaw the LGBTQ+ “international public movement” as extremist represents a significant threat to the already marginalized LGBTQ+ community in the country. The ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms has left the community vulnerable and deprived of essential protections. The international community must stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia and continue to put pressure on the Russian government to respect and uphold human rights for all its citizens. It is crucial to raise awareness, support LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people not only in Russia but globally. Only through sustained effort and collective action can we hope for a future that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and equality for all.

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