Russia's Supreme Court has approved an application by the Justice Ministry to declare the "international LGBT public movement" as an extremist organization, further tightening the Kremlin's grip on LGBT rights in the country. The court ruling has alarmed activists who fear that it could be used to target and threaten any LGBT person with long jail sentences for their alleged involvement in "extremist activity". The decision comes as the Kremlin prepares for elections in March, with Vladimir Putin expected to seek a fifth term as president.

🚨Report: The Russia's Supreme Court designates the 'international LGBT movement' as an extremist group and has banned it from operating within the country. pic.twitter.com/nRVOsM5SW5

— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) November 30, 2023

The Justice Ministry claims that the LGBT organization's activities incite social and religious discord, in violation of Russia's anti-extremism laws. However, it has never identified the specific body it is targeting. This ruling gives the authorities the ability to ban LGBT symbols, including rainbow clothing and toys, effectively forcing anyone who leads an LGBT lifestyle to hide in fear of being charged with participation in an extremist organization. Despite the possibility of filing an appeal, experts believe that it is highly unlikely to be successful.

The Kremlin has been increasingly emphasizing "traditional values" in response to tensions with the US and Europe over its actions in Ukraine. In December, Putin approved a law that forbids the positive portrayal of gay relationships in books, films, media, and the internet, regardless of age. This law expands on a previous one from 2013, which already prohibited the promotion of homosexuality to children. Critics argue that the Kremlin's propaganda now promotes a neo-fascist cult of masculinity and force, echoing Nazi propaganda from the 1930s. This narrative seeks to reinforce traditional gender roles and suppress any deviations from them.

Some independent news outlets, such as Meduza, have shown their support for the LGBT community by using rainbow-colored symbols on their social media channels, despite being blocked within Russia. Overall, this recent court ruling highlights the increasing repression and discrimination faced by the LGBT community in Russia. It underscores the government's efforts to silence and marginalize any dissent or deviation from its traditional values, as Russia moves further away from progressive attitudes towards LGBTQ rights.