Russia’s Supreme Court effectively outlaws LGBTQ+ activism, citing ‘extremist’ movement
PBS NewsHourDec 01, 2023
The Facts
Russia's Supreme Court designated what it characterized as the "international LGBT public movement" as extremist on Thursday, immediately outlawing its activities within Russian borders, as the Kremlin ramps up its rhetoric about traditional values and the alleged "degrading" influence from the West.
The decision, which capped a hearing held behind closed doors due to classified materials in the case, comes as the Russian Justice Ministry filed a lawsuit claiming that the LGBTQ+ movement has incited "social and religious discord" in the country.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This decision by the Russian Supreme Court is the most recent of many setbacks for LGBTQ+ rights, which risks a blanket ban on LGBTQ+ organizations with far-reaching violations of fundamental human rights. This new decision openly discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community and has no place in a modern, civilized society. Putin has gone too far to appease his conservative base.
Pro-Russia narrative
This latest ruling doesn't seek to discriminate but rather to stop the encroachment of the West's insidious cultural exportation, which sows dissent in Russian society. This ban won't actually change the day-to-day lives of sexual minorities, who aren't persecuted in Russia, as it's related to a hostile, foreign organization that is attempting to use them as an agenda.
