Russia moves to Outlaw LGBTQ movement as ‘Extremist’

MOSCOW — (11-27-23) — The Russian Justice Ministry announced on Nov 17, it had filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court to label the “international LGBT public movement” an extremist group, and to outlaw its operations in the Russian Federation.

In a statement posted on the state’s official website, the ministry said that “the LGBT movement” has been engaged in various activities that qualify it as an “extremist group.” Specifically, it has been sowing “social and religious discord,” the ministry stated.

At first, many were unclear as to which groups the potential ban would target and whether the ‘extremist’ designation would have any consequences for LGBT ideology itself, but it quickly became apparent that it was targeting the LGBT Community of the Russian Federation.

In Russia, the largest LGBTQ activist group is the ‘Russian LGBT Network,’ a civic platform created in the mid-2000s, that brings together various regional groups advocating the rights of LGBTQ Russians.

Two years ago the Russian Federation labeled the ‘Russian LGBT Network a “foreign agent”

However the activist group says that it is an internationally-recognized entity and is a part of LIGA – the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association – a major Switzerland-based NGO promoting gay rights and active since the 1970s.

Over the past few years, Russian hardliners have gradually tightened its legislation aimed at curbing the promotion of what the government calls “LGBT ideology.”

In fact back in 2013, Russia outlawed “LGBTQ propaganda” aimed at minors. The ban was reinforced last December, when legislation introducing hefty fines for anyone found guilty of promoting “non-traditional sexual relations,” pedophilia, and transgenderism, among minors and adults alike, was passed and signed into law by President Putin.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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