Crackdown on Sexual Minorities in Russia: Government Declares LGBTQ+ Movement as ‘Terrorists and Extremists’

The crackdown on sexual minorities in Russia is intensifying, with the government labeling the “international LGBT movement” as “terrorists and extremists”. This declaration has led to heavy prison sentences for those associated with the movement. President Vladimir Putin, who recently won re-election for six years, has long advocated for traditional family values in response to what he perceives as a decadent West.

In recent years, the Russian government has increased its crackdown on sexual minorities, particularly since the conflict with Ukraine began in 2022. One of the latest developments is the detention of bar owners in the Urals who face up to ten years in prison for LGBT+ “extremism”. This move represents the first criminal case of its kind, signaling a wider crackdown on members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Russia passed a law in 2013 prohibiting the “propaganda” of “non-traditional sexual relations” aimed at minors, and in 2022, this law was expanded to include all forms of LGBT+ “propaganda” in various media. In July 2023, Russian lawmakers passed a law banning transgender individuals from undergoing surgical operations and hormonal therapies. These measures further illustrate the government’s hostile stance towards sexual minorities.

Recent fines have been imposed on individuals for simple acts like posting photos with rainbow flags or sharing a kiss online. The situation for sexual minorities in Russia remains precarious and challenging, with their rights and freedoms increasingly restricted. Despite this repression, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to fight for their rights and visibility in Russia.