Russia classifies LGBTQ community as “extremist.”

The judiciary in Russia has imposed a ban on the international LGBTQ movement because of “extremism”. It is unclear how the ruling will be interpreted in practice – because it is not directed against specific organizations.

The Supreme Court in Russia has classified the LGBTQ+ community as “extremist,” further massively restricting the rights of gay, lesbian and other queer people. The judges agreed to a corresponding request from the Russian Ministry of Justice, as the Russian news agency Interfax reported, citing the court.

Activities banned in Russia

Accordingly, it was decided to “recognize the international public LGBTQ+ movement as an extremist organization and ban its activities in Russia.” The approach had already been heavily criticized in advance by human rights activists.

The English abbreviation LGBTQI+ stands for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans people, queer and intersex people – the plus sign and the asterisk are placeholders for other identities and genders.

Interpretation of the judgment unclear

It is currently unclear what specific effects the ban will have. The reason: The proceedings, which took place behind closed doors, were not directed against a specific organization, but against a part of Russian society.

Observers assume that this affects the work of LGBTQ+-related organizations and that corresponding publications or public events are prohibited. Queer activists, who have already been subjected to major repression, fear that the actions of the Russian judiciary are primarily aimed at completely silencing them in public and will fuel further hatred against minorities. However, the question remains how it affects the everyday lives of people from the LGBTQ+ community.

Russia is cracking down on LGBTQ people

Since the Russian offensive in Ukraine began in February 2022, the authorities in Russia have taken stricter action against LGBTQ+ people. Russia presents itself as a moral bulwark against the alleged decadence of the West and justifies its actions in particular with the protection of children.

With information from Stephan Laack, ARD Studio Moscow, currently in Cologne.