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Regional Russian Justice Ministry department says statement about ‘belonging to LGBT movement’ equivalent to participation

Source: Meduza

In response to a question on social media, the Stavropol region’s Russian Justice Ministry department said that a statement about “belonging to the LGBT movement,” which Russia’s Supreme Court has declared an extremist organization, can be equated to participation in it. The ministry did not explain what qualifies as a “statement.”

The department also drew attention to the ban on “the use, propaganda, and demonstration” of “LGBT movement symbols,” including the rainbow flag, across Russia.

On November 30, 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court declared the so-called “international LGBT movement” “extremist” and banned it. Now, signs of “LGBT propaganda” are being found almost everywhere. After the Supreme Court decision, police began conducting raids on LGBTQ+ clubs across Russia.