GENEVA (30 November 2023) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday deplored the decision by Russia’s Supreme Court to label what it termed “the international LGBT movement” as “extremist” – a ruling that could lead to LGBT groups and associations in Russia being banned. Members, employees and people engaging with such organisations risk facing criminal charges and imprisonment.

The highest court in the Russian Federation upheld the Ministry of Justice’s claim that the so-called “international LGBT movement” is committing acts of “an extremist nature” and “inciting social and religious discord”, in violation of Russia’s Law on Countering Extremism.

Under Russian legislation, an organisation designated as extremist faces immediate dissolution, and its leaders face charges of up to 10 years in prison.

“This decision exposes human rights defenders and anyone standing up for the human rights of LGBT people to being labelled as ’extremist’ – a term that has serious social and criminal ramifications in Russia,” said the High Commissioner.

“No one should be jailed for doing human rights work or denied their human rights based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“I call on the Russian authorities to repeal, immediately, laws that place improper restrictions on the work of human rights defenders or that discriminate against LGBT people. The law must uphold and defend the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The law must never be used to perpetuate inequality and discrimination,” Türk added.

Laws that must be reformed include those prohibiting gender-affirming medical and administrative procedures, and banning so-called “LGBT propaganda”, which made it illegal to discuss LGBT issues in Russia on penalty of substantial fines, Türk said.

The High Commissioner also remains concerned about the wide use of the “extremist” label more generally to prosecute all those perceived as opponents, including politicians, journalists, human rights defenders and others.