Gay Activists Fear Arrest As Top Russian Court Calls Them 'Extremists', Bans 'LGBT Movement'

A ruling to ban the 'LGBT movement' across Russian territory by the country's Supreme Court has instilled the fear of arrest among the activists.

Protestors with rainbow flag in Saint Petersburg, Russia. ( Image Source :Getty )

Russian Supreme Court has banned the 'LGBT movement' calling them 'extremists', a move that has increased the fear of arrest and prosecution among activists, three years after the country changed the constitution to make it clear that marriage means a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex unions are not recognised in Russia. According to a report in Al Jazeera, the court ruled on Thursday that “the international LGBT public movement and its subdivisions” were extremist, and issued a “ban on its activities on the territory of Russia”.

BBC reported that the hearing was held behind closed doors, but reporters were allowed in to hear the court's decision. The court said, nobody from "the defendant's side" had been present. The court pronounced its ruling on a motion moved by the justice ministry.

Notably, there is no such organisation as a legal entity that has been banned by the court now. According to Al Jazeera, the justice ministry said that "various signs and manifestations of extremist orientation, including the incitement of social and religious discord" had been identified in the activities of Russia's LGBT movement, without giving examples.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters before the court verdict that the Kremlin was “not following” the case and had no comment on it.

 

'Shameful And Absurd'

Reacting to the ruling, Feminist Anti-War Resistance, which is critical of Russia’s war in Ukraine, said, "One day, it will be over but for now, we need to try to continue to live and save ourselves."

As per the report, many other NGOs, including transgender rights group “Center T” said they would publish safety guidelines for the LGBT community members.

Amnesty International termed the ruling “shameful and absurd,” and warned of a blanket ban on LGBTQ organisations, adding that it would violate freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly, and lead to discrimination.