In a concerning development, Russia’s Supreme Court has declared LGBTQ activists as extremists, a move that has sparked fears among representatives of the LGBTQ+ community about potential arrests and prosecutions.
The court, in response to a request from the justice ministry, announced its approval to recognize the “international LGBT social movement” as extremist and to ban its activities. This decision is part of a broader pattern of increasing restrictions in Russia on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws that prohibit the promotion of “non-traditional” sexual relations and the legal or medical transition of gender.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is expected to seek a new six-year term in March, has consistently portrayed Russia as a protector of traditional moral values in contrast to what he views as a decadent West. In a speech last year, Putin criticized the West for promoting what he referred to as “new-fangled trends like dozens of genders and gay parades” but insisted that these should not be imposed on other countries.
While the Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, claimed to not be following the court case and had no comment, the Supreme Court’s decision sends a troubling signal to LGBTQ activists in Russia.
The LGBTQ+ community had anticipated this decision since the justice ministry’s request on November 17, which vaguely cited “various signs and manifestations of extremist orientation” without providing concrete examples. LGBTQ activists like Alexei Sergeyev expressed deep concern about the seriousness of this threat, with worries that essential activities such as psychological and legal support would be forced underground, leaving many LGBTQ individuals without the crucial assistance they need.
This ruling by the Supreme Court adds LGBTQ activists to the growing list of more than 100 groups already banned as “extremist” in Russia, a designation that has historically been a prelude to arrests and legal actions. LGBTQ activists in Russia now face an uncertain and challenging future, with their rights and support networks in jeopardy.