Russia's Supreme Court court bans LGBT movement as 'extremist': What you need to know

The Supreme Court in Russia declared the 'international LGBT social movement' an extremist organisation on Thursday, November 30, and subsequently banned its activities across the country.

The ruling was initiated by a motion from the Russia's Justice Ministry, although no such organisation exists as a legal entity. The hearing, conducted behind closed doors, allowed reporters to attend and hear the court's decision.

Russia's constitution was amended three years ago to define marriage explicitly as a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex unions are not legally recognized in the country.

Supreme Court ruling

• The recent landmark ruling by Russia's Supreme Court has criminalized LGBTQ+ activism, marking a significant setback for advocates of gay, lesbian, and transgender rights in the country.

• This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry, which labeled the LGBTQ+ movement in Russia as an extremist organisation and subsequently banned it.

• This verdict reflects an ongoing decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, led by President Vladimir Putin. Throughout his 24-year tenure, Putin has consistently emphasized "traditional family values."

• Russia has increasingly imposed restrictions on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws prohibiting advocacy for "non-traditional" sexual relations and preventing legal or medical gender changes.

• During the five-hour court hearing, only Justice Ministry representatives were permitted, and no defense was present. The case was classified, and the Justice Ministry did not disclose any evidence, asserting only that authorities had identified "signs and manifestations of an extremist nature" in the movement targeted for ban, citing "incitement of social and religious discord.

Response to the ruling

• Amnesty International, an international non-governmental organization, condemned the ruling as "shameful and absurd," emphasizing that it violates and undermines freedom of association, expression, and peaceful assembly. They highlighted concerns about potential discrimination stemming from this decision.

• Additionally, prominent Russian human rights organizations submitted a document characterizing the lawsuit as "anti-lawful," discriminatory, and a breach of both the constitution and international human rights treaties endorsed by Moscow.

Situation of LGBTQ+ in Russia

• In 2013, the Kremlin introduced legislation known as the "gay propaganda" law, marking the initial step in curtailing LGBTQ+ rights. This law specifically prohibits any public promotion of "nontraditional sexual relations" among minors.

• In 2020, constitutional reforms were initiated by Putin to extend his tenure by two additional terms, which included a provision criminalizing same-sex marriage.

• Further laws enacted in 2023 outlawed gender transitioning procedures and gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. These legislations prohibit any "medical interventions aimed at changing a person's sex," as well as altering one's gender in official documents and public records.

• Additionally, these legal changes modified Russia's Family Code, citing gender change as a reason to nullify a marriage. Moreover, those who have undergone gender transition were included in a list of individuals prohibited from adopting or becoming foster parents.