RUSSIA’S Supreme Court today effectively banned LGBT activism after the Ministry of Justice accused gay, lesbian and transgender rights activists of extremism.
In a statement of claim filed earlier this month, the ministry claimed that authorities had found “signs and manifestations of an extremist nature” on the part of the LGBT movement operating in Russia, including “inciting social and religious enmity.” although he did not provide any details or evidence.
By today’s decision, the court recognized the “movement” as extremist and banned it in Russia.
The hearing took place behind closed doors and without the accused. Human rights activists noted that the lawsuit was directed against the “international civil LGBT movement,” which is not an organization but a broad and vague definition that would allow Russian authorities to crack down on any individualities or groups supposed to be part of the” movement.”
” Despite the fact that the Ministry of Justice demands to fete a missing association as revolutionist- the” transnational public LGBT movement”, in practice it may be that the Russian authorities, having this court decision in their hands, will apply it against LGBTQ+ initiatives. who work in Russia, considering them to be part of this social movement,” human rights activist Max Olenichev, who works with the Russian LGBT community, said on the eve of the hearing.
Some LGBT activists tried to join the lawsuit, arguing that it affected their rights, but their application was rejected by the court.
The Supreme Court decision is the latest step in a decade-long crackdown on LGBT rights under President Vladimir Putin, who has made “traditional family values” a cornerstone of his rule.
The authorities deny discrimination against LGBT people. Earlier this month, Deputy Minister of Justice Andriy Loginov said that “LGBT rights in Russia are protected” by law.
