Already in 2013 queer “propaganda” towards children was banned in Russia. Last year, it was also forbidden to carry out positive information activities about queers towards adults. It was the Ministry of Justice that put forward the proposal. The court proceedings were conducted behind closed doors, and there were no LGBT+ representatives present. Banning a non-existent organization Six days ago, “the international LGBT movement” did not exist. But in the hope of being represented as an “affected organisation” during the court proceedings, a group with that name was created. Europa Square and the Europa shopping center next to Kiev station in central Moscow look like a giant advertisement for pride. But most likely the lighting is due to the fact that lights and colors are very popular in the capital. Electricity is also cheap in Russia. The picture is from 29.4.23. Photo: GRO HOLM / news According to the exile publication Meduza, the group consists of five Russians who have all moved abroad. But a lawyer was ready in the Supreme Court to represent them. He didn’t let in. By focusing on a “movement” instead of a concrete organization, the Russian authorities are able to include both current and future groups with their ban. These are the consequences There are already several sections in the Russian Criminal Code that cover what the authorities classify as extremist activities and organisations. Although the details of the judgment are not known, it is possible to say something about what this means. People who organize “extremist activities” risk up to 12 years in prison and up to 700,000 rubles (around NOK 84,000) in fines. Ordinary participants in such activities risk from 2 to 6 years in prison, together with or in addition to fines. Anything that can be classified as propaganda for extremist organizations can be banned. In this case, for example, pride flags and other symbols. Advertising any type of gathering becomes risky. Even invitations to meet in a café can be perceived as attempts at “organised” business. Clubs for queers are forced to close. Already now they operate in secret and do not publicly advertise events. Private gatherings of queers in apartments can be reported on by suspicious neighbors. Queers will in any case be anxious about such reporting. According to a well-known activist from the Russian LGBT+ community, there were 87 different queer groups in Russia in 2020. From freedom to unfreedom Same-sex love was legalized by the Bolsheviks after the revolution in 1917. But in 1933, homosexual practice was again banned by Stalin. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, being queer was allowed again, although it was classified as a “disease” until 1999. A message from “The Russian LGBT Network” on Telegram on November 28. -Please don’t panic! They state that the law will only come into force on 9 January, and before that time there is an opportunity to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision. Photo: screenshot / telegram In 2006, the first pride parade was organized in Moscow. But it was a short-lived freedom. Already in 2013, Putin tightened up. “Propaganda” towards children was banned. In 2020, a ban on same-sex marriage was written into the constitution. In December 2022, all information activity that equates queer and heterosexual love was banned along with propaganda for pedophilia. The ban covers everything from the internet to books, films and advertising. There is a separate website where people can report to the authorities about suspicious or “forbidden” information from the LGBT+ community. A fight against the West In July this year, President Putin signed a law banning gender-affirming surgery. In the justification, members of the National Assembly argue that it is necessary to protect Russia against “Western, anti-family ideology”. Oleg Nefedov, a judge of the Supreme Court of Russia reads the decision. Photo: Reuters Russia as a bastion of “traditional values” has become part of the justification for the war in Ukraine. In the Russian public, it is not Ukraine that is the real opponent, but the West that wants to crush Russia, also culturally. Queer talks about leaving news has been in contact with queer Russians ahead of today’s meeting in the Supreme Court. Many are now considering leaving the country. But it’s one thing to want it, another thing to do it. Most of Europe is now closed to most Russians. Queer Russians also easily end up between several seats in countries that welcome Russians in general. Queers are even afraid to live together here now. Although there is not yet a ban on being queer. But imagine if it will be? Or if a neighbor thinks it should have been and then starts looking for other information that could harm you. Such thoughts can eat away at the mood.
ttn-69
Russia classifies LGBT+ as “extremists” – news Urix – Foreign news and documentaries
