Two Russian LGBT organisations, the Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives and ParniPlus, said separate courts on April 23 declared them "extremist". Both groups vowed to continue operating despite the rulings, which advocates call part of a growing campaign to criminalize LGBT visibility and independent journalism. The decisions follow Russia's 2023 ban on the so‑called "LGBT movement," and come as authorities step up scrutiny of publishers and media. Human Rights Watch says the justice system is being used to marginalize and censor LGBT people and their supporters.
Russian Courts Declare Two LGBT Groups 'Extremist'; Groups Vow To Keep Operating
A participant waves a rainbow flag during the LGBT community rally "X St.Petersburg Pride" in central Saint Petersburg, Russia August 3, 2019. REUTERS/Anton Vaganov
April 23 — Two Russian LGBT organisations said on Thursday that separate courts had declared them "extremist", a designation rights groups say is part of a broader crackdown on gay and transgender people, independent journalism and public solidarity in Russia.
The Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives and ParniPlus, a Russian-language website covering LGBT health and rights, said they would continue operating despite the rulings.
"We view this as yet another step toward criminalizing LGBTQ visibility, independent journalism, and any public solidarity with the community in Russia,"
Legal observers and human-rights groups say the decisions fit a pattern of restrictions after Russia's 2023 ban on what authorities call the "LGBT movement." Critics say the measures are being used to restrict freedom of expression and association and to silence civil-society organisations.
Separately, officials recently questioned staff at one of Russia's largest publishers over alleged "LGBT propaganda" in its book catalogue, signaling heightened scrutiny of media and cultural institutions.
Human Rights Watch said in March that Russian authorities have "weaponized the justice system to marginalize and censor LGBT people and their supporters," actions it says flagrantly violate rights to free expression, association and nondiscrimination.
Both groups say they will press on with their work; legal experts warn the extremist label can expose staff, volunteers and supporters to prosecution, asset freezes and restrictions on activities. The cases will be watched closely by international rights organisations and media freedom advocates.
Reporting by Alessandra Prentice; editing by Mark Trevelyan and Gareth Jones.
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