In a devastating blow to the LGBTQ+ community, the Russian Justice Ministry has taken legal action to label the LGBTQ+ "international public movement" as extremist. The move comes amid a decade-long crackdown on gay rights in Russia, which has steadily eroded LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms.

According to an online statement released by the ministry, authorities have identified "signs and manifestations of extremist nature" in the activities of the LGBTQ+ movement in Russia. The statement further claims that the movement has engaged in actions that incite social and religious discord. The Supreme Court of Russia has scheduled a hearing to consider the lawsuit on November 30.

The implications of this label for LGBTQ+ people in Russia remain uncertain, as the government has not provided specific details on the consequences. As Russia's President Vladimir Putin has consistently emphasized "traditional family values," this lawsuit marks a significant and potentially severe step in the ongoing campaign against gay rights.

The crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia began a decade ago, gradually chipping away at their freedoms. The "gay propaganda" law was adopted in 2013, prohibiting any non-critical depiction of "nontraditional sexual relations" among minors. In 2020, same-sex marriage was outlawed under a constitutional reform that extended President Putin's rule.

In 2022, as tensions escalated with Ukraine, the Kremlin heightened its rhetoric on protecting "traditional values" from the perceived influence of the West. This resulted in a law banning propaganda of "nontraditional sexual relations" among adults, effectively prohibiting any public endorsement of LGBTQ+ individuals.

This year, further legislation was passed, prohibiting gender transitioning procedures and gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. The law also categorized gender change as a reason for annulment of marriage and restrictions on foster or adoptive parenting.

Russian authorities have repeatedly denied accusations of LGBTQ+ discrimination, with Deputy Justice Minister Andrei Loginov claiming that the rights of LGBT people in Russia are protected. However, international human rights organizations have criticized these laws for infringing upon basic human rights and promoting discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community.

President Putin, addressing a culture-related event in St. Petersburg, acknowledged that LGBTQ+ individuals are "part of the society" and entitled to recognition in arts and culture awards. However, he did not comment directly on the Justice Ministry's lawsuit.

The outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will be closely watched by international advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. If the court supports the Justice Ministry's lawsuit, it could have severe implications for the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, further marginalizing and restricting their freedoms.