Russia prohibits LGBT movement- Analysis

The Supreme Court of Russia has declared the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, along with its subsidiaries. The court ruling came after a lawsuit filed by the Russian Justice Ministry, which argued that the LGBT movement’s activities created social and religious discord in the country. The hearings took place behind closed doors and lasted over four hours. No representatives from the international LGBT movement were present during the proceedings.

Russia’s legislation against the dissemination of “LGBT ideology” has been gradually tightened over the years. In 2013, the country banned the promotion of such propaganda among minors, and later extended the measure to include adults. Major fines were introduced for promoting “non-traditional sexual relations,” transgenderism, and pedophilia.

It is unclear which pro-LGBT groups in Russia will be affected by the new ruling. The Russian LGBT network, a civic platform that advocates for the rights of sexual minorities, is the country’s largest pro-LGBT group. It was designated as a “foreign agent” two years ago and is affiliated with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (LIGA), a Swiss-based NGO advocating for gay rights since the late 1970s.

Source: RT news: Russia bans ‘LGBT movement’