Russian police conducted raids on bars and nightclubs in Moscow over the weekend as part of a crackdown on “LGBTQ+ propaganda.” Smartphones, laptops, and video cameras were seized, and clubgoers had their documents inspected. The raids coincided with the one-year anniversary of Russia’s Supreme Court ruling that the LGBTQ+ movement should be banned as an “extremist organization.”
President Vladimir Putin has long promoted “traditional family values,” leading to a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. Video footage showed partygoers being ordered to lie on the floor as police searched clubs like Arma and Mono. The head of a tour agency was also detained for allegedly planning a trip for supporters of non-traditional sexual values.
Russian activists fear that the designation of the LGBTQ+ movement as extremist could lead to further crackdowns on individuals or groups. Recent laws have increased pressure on those not in line with Russia’s traditional values, such as banning adoption by citizens of countries allowing gender-affirming care and outlawing material discouraging having children.
The raids highlight the ongoing discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia and the efforts by the government to suppress their rights. International human rights organizations have condemned the raids and called for the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Despite the challenges, activists continue to fight for equality and recognition of their human rights in the face of government repression.
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