The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, in a shock ruling, has recently declared international LGBTQ movement to be “extremist” and banned it in the country. This decision leaves many LGBTQ people living in Russia in an uncertain and dangerous situation.
The court ruling came after years of growing tension and pressure from conservative groups inside Russia. LGBTQ organizations were recently included in a list of organizations banned by the Russian Supreme Court on the grounds that they are “extremist”. The court’s ruling is a direct attack on the rights of LGBTQ people in Russia.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has long held that the rights of LGBTQ people must be respected in all countries, including those which do not recognize same-sex marriage. In 2013, the ECHR ruled that the Russian government had violated the human rights of individuals in the country who are part of the LGBTQ community. The court also noted that rights granted to heterosexual couples are not automatically granted to same-sex couples.
This latest decision by the Russian Supreme Court will have serious implications for the LGBTQ community. Those affected include same-sex couples and individuals who are at risk of facing persecution, discrimination, and other abuses by the state.
For LGBTQ organizations based outside of Russia, the impact of this ruling is unclear. Some international organizations, such as the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), have warned of a further deterioration in the rights of Russian LGBTQ people.
The ruling has also been condemned by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. They have argued that this decision violates basic human rights for Russian LGBTQ citizens, and called for it to be taken off the books.
Demonstrations in support of the Russian LGBTQ community have taken place in several cities around the world, including London, Paris, Berlin, and New York. There is also growing pressure on the Russian government from international organizations to reverse the ban on the international LGBTQ movement.
For now, however, the Supreme Court’s ruling stands and the situation for LGBTQ people in Russia is extremely uncertain. LGBTQ activists remain optimistic that this decision can be overturned in the future, ensuring that the rights of the Russian LGBTQ community are protected and respected.