Security Forces Conduct Raids on Moscow LGBTQ+ Establishments Following Supreme Court’s Extremist Label

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In the wake of a Supreme Court ruling designating the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist, Russian security forces launched a series of raids on LGBTQ+ establishments in Moscow, including nightclubs, saunas, and bars known for LGBTQ+ gatherings. These raids, reported as drug enforcement operations by local media, occurred on Friday night, less than two days after the court’s decision.

Witnesses at the scenes described how security personnel scrutinized and photographed the identification documents of patrons. Some venue managers reportedly had forewarning of the raids, allowing them to alert their customers.

This action stems from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to categorize the LGBTQ+ movement in Russia as an extremist group. Initiated by a lawsuit from the Justice Ministry, this move marks a continuation of the decade-long suppression of LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin’s regime, which prioritizes traditional family values.

Critics, including activists, point out the ambiguous nature of this lawsuit, targeting a movement rather than a formal organization. This broad definition potentially enables authorities to target any individuals or groups associated with LGBTQ+ causes.

The repercussions of this ruling are already visible, with several LGBTQ+ venues, such as Central Station in St. Petersburg, ceasing operations. The club announced on social media that it could no longer operate under the new legal constraints.

Prior to the ruling, Max Olenichev, a human rights attorney assisting the Russian LGBTQ+ community, expressed concerns about the potential implications of such a decision. He foresaw the authorities using the ruling to target LGBTQ+ initiatives in Russia.

Russian human rights organizations had contested the lawsuit at the Supreme Court, deeming it discriminatory and unconstitutional. LGBTQ+ activists sought involvement in the case but were denied by the court.

Russia’s legislative history shows a pattern of restricting LGBTQ+ rights, beginning with the 2013 “gay propaganda” law and extending to the 2020 constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriages. Following the 2022 military intervention in Ukraine, the government intensified its campaign against perceived Western influences, further restricting LGBTQ+ rights and public expression.

Additionally, recent legislation banned gender transition procedures and gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, including any medical interventions for sex change and alterations of gender in official records.

Despite these developments, Russian officials maintain that LGBTQ+ rights are legally protected in Russia. Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov, while addressing the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, insisted that limiting public displays of nontraditional sexual relationships does not equate to censorship.

The details of the Supreme Court case remain classified, casting uncertainty on the future enforcement against LGBTQ+ activists and symbols.

Olga Baranova, director of the Moscow Community Center for LGBTQ+ Initiatives, anticipates that many individuals may consider leaving Russia to avoid becoming targets. She views these measures as a strategy to divert attention from Russia’s numerous internal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about LGBTQ+ Russia raids

More about LGBTQ+ Russia raids

• Russian LGBTQ+ Movement Labeled Extremist
• Moscow Nightclub Raids Following Court Ruling
• LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia Under Putin
• Closure of LGBTQ+ Venues in Russia
• Legal Battles for LGBTQ+ Rights in Russia
• Russia’s “Gay Propaganda” Law and Its Impact
• Russia’s Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights at the U.N. Human Rights Council
• Recent Legislation on Gender Transitioning in Russia