Russia’s Supreme Court Bans ‘International LGBTQ Movement’ As ‘Extremist’

Russia’s Supreme Court has declared what it calls “the international LGBT public movement” an extremist organization and banned all activities associated with it in the country.

The landmark ruling on Thursday was prompted by a motion from the Ministry of Justice, even though no such organization exists as a legal entity. The justice ministry claimed the LGBTQ community risked “inciting social and religious discord”, in violation of Russia’s Law on Countering Extremism, according to a statement from the UN condemning the decision.

Thursday’s ruling states: “The claims are to be satisfied: to recognize the international LGBT movement as an extremist organization and to prohibit its activities in Russia,” according to state news agency RIA Novosti.

The four-hour hearing was held behind closed doors with only the Justice Ministry present for

READ MORE OF THIS POST AT The Gaily Grind