Moscow Gay Bars Raided After New Supreme Court Ruling Banning ‘Global LGBTQ Movement’ As ‘Extremist Organization’

Less than 48 hours after Russia’s Supreme Court banned the “global LGBTQ movement” as an extremist organization, Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars in Moscow. 

The raids, which were carried out under the pretext of drug searches, targeted venues such as a nightclub, a male sauna and a bar known for its LGBTQ parties. Witnesses reported that clubgoers’ identification documents were checked and photographed by security services.

Managers were able to warn patrons before the police arrived.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, which came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry, is part of a long-time attack on LGBTQ rights in Russia under President Vladimir Putin, who, throughout his 24 years in power, has put a heavy emphasis on “traditional family values.”

Activists have argued that the lawsuit was lodged against a movement that is not an official entity and allows authorities to target any individuals or groups associated with it based on broad and vague definitions.

The ruling has caused several LGBTQ venues, such as St. Petersburg’s gay club Central Station, to close. Human rights groups had previously submitted a document to the Supreme Court that denounced the lawsuit as discriminatory and a violation of Russia’s constitution. However, their efforts to participate in the case were rejected by the court.

Russian authorities deny accusations of LGBTQ discrimination, and the Deputy Justice Minister claimed that the rights of gay people in Russia are legally protected.

However, rights advocates argue that these measures represent a form of censorship and discrimination against the LGBTQ community.

The consequences of the Supreme Court ruling on LGBTQ activists and symbols remain uncertain. Activists believe that the government has attempted to divert attention from other issues by the portrayal of the LGBTQ community as a domestic enemy as a distraction from the war in Ukraine.

Many individuals will likely move out of Russia before they become targeted.

Over the years, Russia has implemented a variety of harsh laws that restrict LGBTQ rights, such as the “gay propaganda” law in 2013, which prohibits the public endorsement of “nontraditional sexual relations” among minors. Constitutional reforms in 2020 also included a provision to outlaw same-sex marriage. In addition, this year a law was passed that bans gender transition procedures and gender-affirming care for transgender individuals.