On January 28th, 2021, the Russian Supreme Court issued a ruling to banning the international LGBTQ movement in the country for “promoting” so-called “non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors, basically criminalizing any movement or promotion of LGBT rights.
This ruling is a devastating blow on civil liberties, and must be condemned by international institutions and human rights activists.
The court order is expected to result in a series of oppressive actions from Russia’s local and federal governments, hindering promotions of LGBT rights in any form — including the media and public events. Small acts like the people of the LGBT pride parading are also said to be included in the ruling, and thus severely limited.
Civil and human rights groups in the country, along with international individuals and organizations, have already voiced their legal support for the LGBT community in the face of this decision.
In an attempt to challenge the ruling, these groups have filed a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizing the fact that the order violates international law and the European Convention on Human Rights.
It’s too soon to tell what the outcome of this case will be, but we can only hope that the court will recognize the danger this decision poses on the human rights of LGBT people in Russia. All we can do now is to stand in solidarity with the LGBT community, and call attention to this issue until due justice is achieved.