In a significant move, a Russian court has recently barred LGBTQ groups from functioning nationwide, going so far as to label gay activists as extremists. The Supreme Court in Moscow unequivocally stated that LGBTQ activists should be prohibited from engaging in any advocacy activities in Russia, raising concerns that individuals from the LGBTQ community might face apprehension and imprisonment.
This groundbreaking decision effectively criminalizes LGBTQ activism, marking another stride by Russian authorities in their ongoing efforts to curtail the rights of the gay, lesbian, and transgender communities. Initiated earlier this month by the justice ministry, the legal request sought to dismantle groups advocating for expanded rights within the LGBTQ community.
The filing alleged the existence of "signs and manifestations of an extremist nature" within the LGBTQ "social movement" operating in Russia, citing instances of "incitement of social and religious discord." Curiously, the government department failed to present any evidence supporting these claims during the court proceedings.
The Supreme Court swiftly issued its ruling, concluding the session that commenced at 10 am local time in just over two hours. The proceedings took place behind closed doors, with no media present during deliberations. However, reporters were permitted to attend and witness the final decision.
This recent development follows the Kremlin's enactment of the "gay propaganda" law in 2013, the first legislation restricting LGBTQ rights, which banned any public endorsement of "non-traditional sexual relations" among children. In 2020, constitutional reforms introduced by President Putin to extend his rule also included a provision outlawing same-sex marriage.
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