Russia’s Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 30, 2023, that “the international LGBT social movement” is extremist and therefore banned all of its activities. They held that all LGBTQ activists should be designated as extremists, in a move that many fear will lead to arrests and prosecutions. The move is part of a pattern of increasing restrictions in Russia on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws outlawing the promotion of “nontraditional” sexual relations and banning legal or medical changes of gender.
The Supreme Court’s ruling recognizes as “extremist” an undefined “international public LGBT movement.” This phrase appears to target not an established group or initiative, but any activism in defense of the human rights of LGBTQ+ people or even any public association with the LGBTQ+ community. Recognizing it as “extremist” carries severe legal consequences for everyone involved in LGBT-related activities or even having a known, or assumed, association with the LGBTQ+ community. Its “participants” may face up to five years in prison, and its “organizers” and donors, up to 10 years, under Articles 282.2(2), 282.2(1) and 282.3 of the criminal code, respectively. Being designated “extremist” also entails a ban on the organization’s symbols—like a pride flag. Displaying pride flags, or any symbol supportive of LGBTQ+ rights can lead to so-called administrative arrest of up to 15 days under Article 20.3 of the code of administrative offences, and a repeat “offence” is a crime under Article 282.4 of the criminal code, with a maximum penalty of four years imprisonment. Those facing investigation or prosecution for being involved in “extremist” activities typically have their bank accounts blocked, and face employment restrictions and restriction of other rights, including being banned for various periods of time from standing in elections at all levels.
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