Russian LGBTQ+ Communities Face Crackdown as Kremlin Outlaws Millions

Russia's Supreme Court has classified the "international LGBT social movement" as an "extremist" organization, effectively banning any related activism. The exact wording of the decision is unknown, but advocates fear that human rights movements and activists supporting LGBTQ+ rights may now face persecution. The law imposes severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 12 years, for members of extremist organizations. LGBTQ+ activists have already left Russia due to increasing hostility, and those remaining are evaluating the risks. The ban is seen by some as an attempt to boost President Putin's reelection campaign by emphasizing "traditional family values."