Russia's Crackdown on LGBT Rights Sparks International Outrage
Russia's Supreme Court has banned the "international LGBT public movement" as an extremist organization, despite the fact that there is no such organized movement. The ban could have far-reaching implications for LGBT people in Russia, potentially leading to the prosecution of any LGBT organization, activity, communication, or support initiative. The Kremlin seems to be using global homophobia as a unifying ideology against the liberal West, particularly in the Middle East and Africa where homosexuality is illegal. The ban is vague and raises uncertainty about what actions and organizations may be targeted as extremist, causing fear and confusion among LGBT communities. Activists are calling the ruling illegal and absurd, while Russian LGBT organizations are scrambling to provide advice on how to protect oneself in this uncertain legal environment.