Russian Court Designates LGBTQ+ Rights Group as Extremist Organization

A Russian court banned a prominent LGBTQ+ rights organization as “extremist” on Tuesday, marking the latest escalation in the country’s crackdown on the community under President Vladimir Putin, according to court proceedings.

The St. Petersburg City Court designated the Coming Out group as an extremist organization during a closed-door hearing, according to the organization. Russia’s Justice Ministry filed the lawsuit last month and classified it as secret, with authorities revealing no details about the case.

The ruling represents the first time an LGBTQ+ rights group has received the extremist designation since Russia’s Supreme Court effectively banned all LGBTQ+ activism in 2023, according to the organization.

Coming Out, which now operates from abroad, vowed to continue its work despite the court decision. The group issued an online statement saying it has “been preparing for this development for a long time” and “enhanced security, developed sustainable work formats and continue to act responsibly, first and foremost for those who count on us.”

“Today it is especially important not to give into fear and not to be alone. Our community is stronger than any labels, and history has proven that,” the group stated.

Denis Oleinik, executive director of Coming Out, told The Associated Press in February that Russian authorities seek to make the LGBTQ+ community “as vulnerable, as lonely as possible.” The group formerly operated from St. Petersburg but has worked entirely from abroad since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Similar lawsuits target two other LGBTQ+ rights groups, with courts in St. Petersburg and the Samara region yet to rule on those cases, according to the organization.

Russia’s LGBTQ+ community has faced mounting legal and public pressure for over a decade, with the crackdown intensifying since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine four years ago. Putin has framed the war as a proxy battle with the West, which he claims aims to destroy Russia’s “traditional family values” by promoting LGBTQ+ rights.

Russian law now bans any depiction of gay and transgender people in a positive or neutral light. The country prohibits gender-affirming medical care and prevents people from changing their gender in official documents.

In November 2023, Russia’s Supreme Court declared what the government called “the international LGBT movement” an extremist organization, exposing anyone involved with the community to prosecution and potential imprisonment.

Police raids followed the Supreme Court ruling, targeting gay bars, nightclubs and venues hosting drag shows in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. Criminal cases charging involvement with the “LGBT movement” have emerged, and some people have faced fines for displaying what authorities consider “extremist” symbols such as rainbow flags.

The extremist designation creates new risks for the organization and those who support it. Oleinik said the ruling makes it unsafe for people to share Coming Out content publicly or for anyone inside Russia or traveling there to donate money to the group.

The designation also intimidates people from seeking help and deters other rights groups or media outlets from working with them, according to Oleinik. Relatives of activists who speak publicly may also face risks.

Despite the challenges, Coming Out continues providing psychological and legal support remotely. The group no longer offers support groups or offline activities but works with international organizations to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia and help those fleeing the country, according to Oleinik.

“We can provide help, and receiving our help is also allowed,” Oleinik said, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to continue serving the community despite the legal restrictions.