Russia bans "international LGBT movement" and declares it extremist

Russia's Supreme Court has declared "the international LGBT public movement" to be extremist and banned "the organisation", which does not exist, human rights activists say. The decision is to take effect immediately.

Source: Russian propagandist media outlet RIA Novosti; Mediazona; Meduza

Quote: "The claims shall be upheld: the international LGBT public movement shall be designated as an extremist organisation and its activities banned in Russia."

Details: The court was ruling on a lawsuit filed by the Russian Ministry of Justice. The ministry failed to explain what the LGBT movement is, who leads it, or what its structure is.

Human rights organisations have stressed that there is no such thing as an "international LGBT public movement". Neither defendants nor interested parties were allowed into the courtroom.

The Ministry of Justice's lawsuit was reportedly preceded by the adoption of two repressive anti-LGBT laws in Russia. First the law on LGBT propaganda, which prohibits the so-called propagandisation of the LGBT "lifestyle" to minors, was extended to adults. Later, Russia banned gender transition – both the change of gender markers in documents and medical transition.

Background: Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the St Petersburg International Cultural Forum, suddenly mentioned his former work for the KGB and made a statement in support of the LGBT community.

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