Russia wants to classify the “international LGBT social movement” as “extremist”

“Classify the international LGBT social movement as extremist.” This is the new ambition displayed by the Russian Ministry of Justice, Friday November 17, which specifies its desire to prohibit “its activities on the territory of the Russian Federation”. A new illustration of the acceleration of the ultra-conservative shift in Russia since the offensive against Ukraine. The Russian Supreme Court must study this request for a ban on November 30.

In a press release, the ministry does not specify whether it is generally targeting the movement in favor of the rights of LGBT+ people around the world, or whether it is designating one or more existing organizations. For the moment, he has not responded to requests from AFP. His announcement has already been denounced by several specialized organizations.

Russia poses as a “moral bulwark” against the West

Since February 2022, the Russian authorities have said they want to eliminate the behavior of the LGBT+ community, described as “deviants” and pose as a moral bulwark against the West, considered decadent. According to several human rights organizations, Vladimir Putin and his regime pursue a homophobic and transphobic policy.

In July, Russian MPs adopted a law targeting transgender people, banning them from transitions, including surgeries and hormonal therapies, and banning the right to adopt children. Furthermore, since 2020, the Russian Constitution specifies that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, effectively prohibiting same-sex unions.