“Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBTQIA community are human beings”
BY DIVA STAFF, IMAGE BY INKDROP
In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court labelled the so-called “international LGBT movement” as extremist. This ruling will come into force on 10 January this year.
The result of this ruling could lead to the prosecution of LGBTQIA individuals who are currently out, who publicly advocate for LGBTQIA rights, or who support LGBTQIA rights. In short, this new ruling would outlaw LGBTQIA activism in Russia as a whole.
In response to this, the Sphere Foundation – an organisation that supports LGBTQIA people in Russia – has launched a petition on the All Out platform to raise awareness and mobilise support against this oppressive decision. Over 34,000 people have already signed the petition.
Dilya Gafurova, Head of the Sphere Foundation, said: “Russian authorities are once again forgetting that the LGBTQIA community are human beings. They are citizens of this country just like everyone else. And now they don’t just want to erase us from the public eye, they want to ban us as a social group.”
“This is a typical move for repressive non-democratic regimes – persecution of the most vulnerable. But we will not stop our work. We are here, we are with you, no matter how things develop further. The existence of LGBTQIA people in Russia and the value of the life and rights of each of you is undeniable, and we will continue to fight for you.”
In 2013, Russia adopted a law prohibiting “the propaganda [amongst minors] of non-traditional sexual relations”. Last year, this law was extended to all age groups – effectively removing all LGBTQIA representation from the media.
You can sign the petition to help oppose LGBTQIA criminalisation in Russia here: https://action.allout.org/en/m/acfe8f64/
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