Russia seeks to declare LGBT movement an ‘extremist organization’
The Russian Justice Ministry has filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court to recognize the "international LGBT social movement" as an extremist organization and to impose a complete ban on its activities within Russia, the ministry announced on Nov. 17.
"Various signs and manifestations of extremist orientation, including violations of social and religious practices, have been identified in the activities of the LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation,” the message said.
Russia’s Supreme Court will consider case on Nov. 30.
The specifics of what the ministry means by the "movement" are not immediately clear from the lawsuit. The LGBT community in Russia already operates virtually outside the legal framework, and its members face regular persecution and harassment.
Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor established criteria for evaluating information about LGBT propaganda. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin signed a law on Dec. 5, 2022, that completely prohibits "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships" among people of all ages.
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