Russia's Supreme Court Bans LGBTQ+ Activism, Labeling it 'Extremist'

The ruling, in response to a Justice Ministry lawsuit, is the latest in a series of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, with the exact nature of restrictions remaining unclear due to the case's classification.

Russia's Supreme Court has banned LGBTQ+ activism, labeling it an extremist organization in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry.
The ruling is the latest in a series of anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Russia, including the 'gay propaganda' law in 2013 and constitutional reforms outlawing same-sex marriage in 2020.
The exact nature of restrictions imposed by the ruling, such as banned symbols, remains unclear due to the case's classification.
Multiple rights activists have noted the lawsuit was lodged against a movement that is not an official entity, and that under its broad and vague definition, Russian authorities could crack down on any individuals or groups deemed to be part of it.
Amnesty International called the ruling 'shameful and absurd,' warning it could lead to a blanket ban on LGBTQ+ organizations, violate freedom of association, expression and peaceful assembly, and lead to discrimination.