"One thing is clear: no amount of bans, arrests or prosecutions will erase the existence of LGBTI people in Russia, or anywhere else...Love and knowledge will always endure over hatred and repression."
Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director
The LGBTQQIA+ community is under threat in Russia. On November 30, 2023, the Supreme Court of Russia banned “the international public LGBT movement” as “extremist”. This has effectively outlawed any public advocacy or association with the LGBTQQIA+ community. Russia must urgently review this ruling to prevent widespread persecution of LGBTQQIA+ people.
The Supreme Court’s ruling recognizes as “extremist” an undefined “international public LGBT movement.” The ruling enables the persecution of those involved in LGBTQQIA+ rights-related activities or anyone with a known, or assumed, association with the LGBTQQIA+ community under anti-extremism legislation.
People found guilty of committing “extremist” activities may face up to 10 years in prison, employment restrictions and restrictions on other rights. Even displaying a Pride flag or other LGBTQQIA+ symbols can lead to an arrest and detention for up to 15 days, or 4 years for a repeated violation.
Since the ban came into force in January 2024, Russian authorities have launched at least 12 criminal cases, conducted raids on LGBTQQIA+ venues, issued administrative fines and short-term detentions for displaying rainbow-themed symbols and forced the closure of LGBTQQIA+ advocacy groups.
We must show solidarity with the Russian LGBTQQIA+ community and demand an end to these oppressive actions to safeguard the principles of equality, freedom and justice for all. No-one should be persecuted for who they love.
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