‘An attack on human rights’: LGBTQ+ Russians in need of urgent support as “repressive” laws worsen
Sphere Foundation, a human rights organisation that spotlights and supports the LGBTQIA+ people in Russia, has launched an urgent petition to rally support against the criminalisation of the LGBTQIA+ community in Russia and to encourage safe passage for those at risk.
In a plea to the public for support the organisation has launched a grassroot initiative, which is being amplified by All Out, a global organisation advocating for the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ individuals, to demonstrate and “affirm that human rights should not be subject to governmental oppression.” On 30 November, Russia’s Supreme Court ruled in a closed hearing that the so-called “international LGBT movement” is an “extreme organisation”.
The top court backed the Justice Ministry’s lawsuit that claimed the “LGBT movement” had incited social and religious discord.
Late last year, local Russian media outlets reported that the law was due to come into effect on 10 January if there was no appeal made against it – though the queer community is already believed to be feeling its ramifications.
