Last week, a St. Petersburg court, in a closed-door hearing, designated the prominent Russian LGBT rights group Coming Out as an “extremist organization,” delivering a severe blow to a community already targeted by the Kremlin’s “traditional values” agenda. This marks the first time an LGBT rights organization has been formally labeled extremist since Russia’s Supreme Court prohibited the International LGBT Movement in 2023, a move that paved the way for arbitrary prosecutions of LGBT individuals and their supporters.
The case against Coming Out originated from a classified lawsuit filed by Russia’s Justice Ministry, with authorities providing no details of the proceedings. This action exemplifies how Russian authorities continue to weaponize the justice system to marginalize and censor LGBT people, violating their rights to free expression, association, and nondiscrimination.
In response, Coming Out, which now operates from outside Russia, stated it had anticipated such a ruling and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting LGBT individuals both inside Russia and in exile. The organization emphasized that the designation underscores the importance of their work and called on the community not to succumb to fear or isolation, highlighting the ongoing need for psychological support, legal assistance, and solidarity.
The extremist label exposes Coming Out activists to criminal prosecution, with potential prison terms of up to ten years, and anyone engaging with the organization risks up to six years in prison. Similar cases filed by the Justice Ministry against LGBT Network and Irida are still pending.
Human rights advocates urge other governments and international institutions to pressure the Kremlin to end its crackdown on LGBT people and provide safe haven and protection to those fleeing Russia to escape prosecution.
