Russia Asks Supreme Court to Designate LGBTQ+ Movement 'Extremist'
The Facts
Russia's Ministry of Justice asked the Supreme Court on Friday to outlaw what it characterized as the "international LGBT public movement" as extremist. The ministry argued that it has identified "signs and manifestations of extremist nature" in Russia, including "incitement of social and religious discord."
While the specific consequences of such a ruling weren't made clear, this is the latest LGBTQ+ restriction initiated by President Vladimir Putin, who has made "traditional family values" a key part of his rule. In 2013, the Kremlin adopted the "gay propaganda" law, banning any noncritical public depiction of "nontraditional sexual relations" among minors, and in 2020 outlawed gay marriage.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia under Vladimir Putin has become a hellscape for LGBTQ+ citizens, which is why there has been a mass exodus of individuals being persecuted. Not only has he banned gender-affirming care and trans people from adopting kids, but he's also put students at risk for simply filming themselves dressed in so-called untraditional ways. This latest development is an authoritarian nightmare for the entire globe.
Pro-Russia narrative
From its laws protecting children and families from gender surgeries to its war in Ukraine, Russia is simply fighting to stop the encroachment of the West's insidious cultural exportation. Moscow isn't anti-progress but rather understands the importance of retaining one's national culture, language, and family-centered religious beliefs. The West doesn't care about culture — it seeks to undermine and overhaul the traditions of every country that hasn't yet bowed down to its elitist demands.