Russia Declares Ban on LGBT Movement, Sparking Fear and Urgent Evacuations
Russia’s Supreme Court has labeled the so-called “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, leading to a nationwide ban on its activities. The decision, made in a closed-door hearing without the presence of the accused side, has stirred panic in the LGBT community, prompting some to urgently leave the country.
This move comes amidst increasing pressure on Russia’s LGBT community, marked by restrictive laws and the erasure of LGBT references from various media. Vitaly Milonov, a prominent member of the ruling party, justified the ban, claiming it targets a nonexistent movement with political goals contrary to Russia’s constitution.
Critics argue that this crackdown aligns with the Kremlin’s conservative values and serves as a distraction from more pressing issues, possibly leveraging anti-Western sentiments in the upcoming presidential election. As a result, individuals within the LGBT community are feeling rejected and forced to flee their own country.
The fear of reprisal has permeated Russian society, with even those advocating for LGBT rights expressing concern about potential criminal cases. As the authorities tighten their grip, the situation underscores the challenges faced by the LGBT community in Russia and the broader implications of the government’s actions. [Credit: BBC]
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67565509