Russia bans Elton John AIDS Foundation amid anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown

Russia’s authorities have banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation, claiming it is “undesirable” and undermines the “traditional spiritual and moral values” of the country.

The decision means the foundation can no longer operate in Russia and staff associated with the organisation face prosecution.

Established by the iconic gay singer and songwriter in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation works to support HIV prevention, education and treatments, having raised more than $600,000 million in its three decade history.

The prosecutor’s office in Russia said the ban applies to the US and UK branches of the organisation over their support for LGBTQ+ rights, which it described in a statement on its official website as “promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships, Western family models, and gender reassignment”.

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