Russia Draws Western Ire After Top Court Dubs LGBT Movement ‘Extremist’

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Designation follows Moscow bans on so-called ‘gender reassignment’ and ‘LGBT propaganda.’

Russia’s Supreme Court is drawing condemnation from Western rights groups after effectively banning pro-LGBT “activism.”

After a closed-door hearing on Nov. 30, the court upheld the Russian Justice Ministry’s contention that the “international LGBT movement” is “extremist” in nature and responsible for inciting “social and religious discord.”

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the legislation is expected to go into effect “immediately.”

Critics say the law’s broad definition of pro-LGBT “activism” grants officials considerable leeway in identifying—and penalizing—alleged violators.

In the run-up to the court ruling, some Russian rights groups said the proposed legislation violated Russia’s constitution as well as international rights conventions to which Moscow is a signatory.

In a Nov. 30 statement, Amnesty International decried the ruling as “shameful and absurd,” saying it could lead to a “blanket ban” on pro-LGBT organizations and violate freedoms of association and expression.

“Its repercussions are poised to be nothing short of catastrophic,” Marie Struthers, the group’s director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said.

Volker Turk, the United Nations’ high commissioner for human rights, likewise condemned the Russian court ruling.

“This decision exposes … anyone standing up for the human rights of LGBT people to being labeled as ‘extremist’—a term that has serious social and criminal ramifications in Russia,” he said.

Under Russia’s anti-extremism laws, organizations deemed “extremist” face automatic dissolution, while leaders of such groups can be jailed for up to 10 years.

Mr. Turk called on Russian authorities to repeal all legislation “that places improper restrictions on the work of human rights defenders or discriminates against LGBT people.”

Russia’s justice ministry has yet to comment on the court’s decision.

The Russian Orthodox Church,  meanwhile, hailed the move, which it described as “moral self-defense.”

“The LGBT movement’s activities are aimed at removing Christian ideas of ​​marriage and family from the public and legal sphere,” it said in a statement.

“If such a movement is given free rein in Russia, it will pursue the same goals as it has in the West.

“For us, this is unacceptable.”

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

Tucker EN FUEGO: Taking Stock of MAGA, Ten Years on

Draining of the Swamp has yet to come anything close to fruition, as the creatures that populate said Swamp yet cling bitterly to power.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

June Lockhart, Beloved Mother Figure From ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ Dies at 100

June Lockhart, a mother figure for a generation of TV viewers whether at home in “Lassie” or in the stratosphere in “Lost in Space,” has died at 100.

Kamala Harris Teases New White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’

Kamala Harris hinted in a BBC interview that she may run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t ruled out another White House bid.

TCM Classic Tour at Warner Bros. Studio: Finding Stardust in Today’s Hollywood

Warner Bros. launched the TCM Classic Films Tour in April 2024, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the studio’s historic movie legacy.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central