The Supreme Court has declared the LGBTQ+ movement “extremist” in Russia.
Less than 48 hours after the highest court banned the LGBTQ+ movement and declared it an extremist organization, Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow.
Ap News reports this.
It is noted that the police conducted searches in all gay clubs in the capital, in particular a nightclub, a men's sauna and a bar where LGBTQ+ parties were held. According to propaganda media, the reason for the raids was an alleged drug raid.
According to eyewitnesses, security services checked the documents of visitors to the club and took photographs. They also said managers were able to warn patrons before police arrived.
Western journalists recall that the decision, made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, is the latest step in a decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin, who has celebrated traditional family values during his 24 years in power.
Activists noted that the lawsuit was filed against a movement that is not a formal organization, and that under its broad and vague definition, the government could crack down on any individuals or groups considered part of it.
Several LGBTQ+ establishments have already closed after this decision, including a St. Petersburg gay club. On Friday, it was posted on social media that the owner would no longer allow the bar to operate under current law.
Let us add that in Russia there is a law prohibiting so-called LGBT propaganda, which is understood as any approving statements about the LGBT community.
Let us remind you that Putin suddenly began to defend the LGBT community, which in Russia they want to recognize as “extremist.”
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