The toll of Russia’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights continues to mount, with dozens of court convictions linked to the outlawing of the so-called “International LGBT Movement”.
A new report by Human Rights Watch examines the repercussions of the 2023 Russian Supreme Court decision that officially designated the “International LGBT Movement” as an “extremist organisation”.
The ruling, made during a closed-door hearing attended only by Justice Ministry representatives, came into effect in January 2024. It added the global LGBT movement to a growing list of over 100 groups banned for allegedly “inciting social and religious discord”.
Draconian Crusade Against LGBTQ+ People
Human Rights Watch, using publicly available court records, documented 101 convictions tied to supposed participation in or display of symbols related to the “International LGBT Movement”.
Of these, approximately 98 were for administrative offences (minor misdemeanours), while three involved criminal charges. The organisation says this illustrates the Russian authorities’ determination to penalise, intimidate, and silence LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
At least 20 people have faced criminal charges under this legislation. One man, Andrei Kotov, died by suicide in pretrial detention after being accused of operating a tourism company aimed at gay men. Two others have been sentenced to prison, while the outcomes of 17 other cases remain pending or unclear.
“Russian authorities weaponise and misuse the justice system as a tool in their draconian crusade to enforce ‘traditional values’ and marginalise and censor LGBT people,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia Director at Human Rights Watch. “They are flagrantly violating Russians’ rights to free expression, association, and non-discrimination.”
Publishing Houses, Symbols Targeted
In one case on 15 May 2025, three staff members from two publishing houses were charged with “running an extremist organisation” for distributing fiction that included LGBTQ+ themes. Prosecutors accused them of “recruiting” readers into the so-called extremist movement, and they now face up to 12 years in prison.
In another instance, an individual was sentenced to six months of compulsory labour for posting a rainbow flag image on social media.
In January 2024, a court in Nizhny Novgorod sentenced activist Anastasia Ershova to five days in detention for wearing rainbow-coloured frog-shaped earrings. A person in the city of Perm was fined for displaying a rainbow flag in their window.
Broad Laws Fuel Widespread Fear
Human Rights Watch warns that Russia’s vague and overly broad anti-extremism laws are increasingly being used as tools of censorship, forcing LGBTQ+ people and their supporters to self-censor or go into hiding.
These measures build on Russia’s long-standing anti-LGBTQ policies, including criminalising the “promotion” of “non-traditional” sexual relationships and outlawing gender-affirming healthcare and changes to gender markers on official documents.
“Russia’s international partners should call on the government to end its persecution of LGBT people and their supporters,” urged Williamson.
He further appealed to other governments to provide safe haven to those fleeing Russia due to the threat of arrest or persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or public support for LGBTQ+ rights.
