Russian SC Declares International LGBT Movement ‘Extremist’, Bans Activities

In a major ruling, the Russian Supreme Court declared the international LGBT movement as an “extremist organization,” imposing a ban on its activities within Russian territory, according to reports.

The court decision explicitly stated that “the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions” were deemed extremist, with a concurrent issuance of a “ban on its activities on the territory of Russia.”

This move represents the most severe action in the decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ rights in Russia initiated under President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently emphasized “traditional family values” during his rule.

The judge declared that the order would take immediate effect, although specific individuals or organizations affected were not specified.

The closed-door hearing proceeded without any defense present, as reported by Russian media in advance of the verdict. Concerns among representatives of the gay and transgender communities are heightened, fearing that the Thursday order may result in arrests and prosecutions.

Responding to the verdict, the “Feminist Anti-War Resistance,” critical of Russia’s war in Ukraine, conveyed on social media, “One day, it will be over, but for now, we need to try to continue to live and save ourselves.”

Several NGOs, including the transgender rights group ‘Center T,’ announced plans to publish safety guidelines for LGBTQ community members. Yan Dvorkin, the organization’s director, who left Russia due to security concerns, characterized the legal proceedings as a “new low point of insanity,” asserting that LGBTQ individuals were being used as “scapegoats” by Russian authorities.

Amnesty International condemned the ruling as “shameful and absurd,” warning that it might lead to a blanket ban on LGBTQ organizations, violating freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly, thereby promoting discrimination.

It is noteworthy that Moscow’s crackdown on liberal-leaning groups has intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year, resulting in an increased curtailment of LGBTQ rights in the country. The Kremlin has escalated its rhetoric about safeguarding “traditional values” from what it perceives as the West’s “degrading” influence.

Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, informed reporters before the court decision that the Kremlin was “not following” the case and had no comment on it.