Russia Adds LGBT Movement to Extremist and Terrorist List

Russia's latest move has stirred controversy as it adds the "LGBT movement" to its list of extremist and terrorist organizations, raising concerns among LGBTQ activists and communities.

The decision, following a ruling by Russia’s Supreme Court last November, categorizes LGBT activists as extremists, prompting fears of increased surveillance, arrests, and legal actions.

The designation is managed by Rosfinmonitoring, an agency empowered to freeze bank accounts of over 14,000 individuals and entities labeled as extremists and terrorists, ranging from Al Qaeda to tech giant Meta and associates of late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The new listing specifically targets the "international LGBT social movement and its structural units," according to state news agency RIA.

This move aligns with Russia's broader shift under President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing traditional family values and tightening restrictions on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Over the past decade, Russia has implemented laws prohibiting the promotion of "non-traditional" sexual relations and banning legal or medical gender changes, reflecting a stance aimed at countering perceived Western decadence.

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