The Russian Supreme Court has just classified the “international public LGBT movement” as “extremist.” This decision significantly empowers authorities to target expressions of LGBT values or affiliations with the LGBT community. The use of a broadly defined criterion for extremism is a strategic move, allowing for widespread crackdowns if deemed necessary. We thoroughly discussed this issue in our recent Bulletin, noting that when the proposal initially surfaced in mid-November, the final directive on the Supreme Court's ruling was still pending. The push for this measure is deeply rooted in personal politics, especially the ambitions of Justice Minister Konstantin Chuychenko. He aims to bolster his ties with the siloviki and solidify his position in anticipation of expected government reshuffles in the near future.

The wider political landscape plays a significant role as well. Putin and many Russian elites view organised LGBT movements as instruments of the West, aimed at destabilizing Russia by attacking “traditional Russian values,” which are integral to the narrative supporting Putin's regime. The criminalization of LGBT-related activities is part of a broader strategy to insulate the government from liberal ideologies, perceived as potential threats to the regime's stability. For a more comprehensive analysis, we invite you to read our detailed coverage in our Bulletin.

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