Moscow Gay Bars Raided After Court Labels LGBTQ as ‘Extremist’ : Analysis

Russian security forces conducted raids on several gay clubs and bars in Moscow following a recent ruling by the country’s top court that classified the LGBTQ movement as “extremist.” The raids, which took place on Friday night, were carried out under the pretext of a drug raid, with police officers searching various venues, including a nightclub, sauna, and bar known for hosting LGBTQ parties. Witnesses reported that clubgoers’ identification documents were checked and photographed by security services, and it was suggested that managers had tipped off patrons before the police arrived. This crackdown comes less than 48 hours after the Russian Supreme Court’s decision to label the international LGBT movement and its subdivisions as extremist and prohibit their activities. Activists argue that this broad definition allows authorities to crack down on any individuals or groups associated with the movement, effectively banning all organized LGBTQ rights activities. Under President Vladimir Putin’s rule, Russia has experienced a decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ rights, with an emphasis on promoting “traditional family values.” While this recent ruling marks a significant step with uncertain consequences, it follows a series of increasingly restrictive measures, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which align with the direction taken by Russian authorities. These include a ban on medical intervention and administrative procedures for gender reassignment, the outlawing of LGBTQ “propaganda,” and restrictions on book publishing and film distribution. Russian rights groups had previously filed a document with the Supreme Court challenging the Justice Ministry’s lawsuit and calling it discriminatory and unconstitutional. However, LGBTQ activists were denied the opportunity to become formal parties in the case, and the Supreme Court hearing was held behind closed doors without a defense present. Russian authorities have denied accusations of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals, with Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov stating that “the rights of LGBT people in Russia are protected” under the law and that restrictions on non-traditional sexual relationships are not a form of censorship.

Source: Aljazeera news: Police raid Moscow gay bars after top court’s LGBTQ ‘extremist’ designation