The human rights initiative “LGBT+ Case” announced its self-dissolution

The human rights initiative “LGBT+ Case” announced the termination of its work on the territory of Russia “due to external circumstances.” The announcement was made on November 30, the day when the Supreme Court recognized the non-existent “International LGBT Movement” as an “extremist organization” and banned its activities on the territory of Russia.

The initiative dealt with the protection of the rights of people subjected to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Representatives of “LGBT+ Case” promised that they will transfer all their clients to reliable lawyers who will provide assistance in court.

In an interview with Novaya Gazeta-Europa, lawyer Konstantin Boykov stated that he would do what he was forced to do, because “otherwise we will be recognized as extremists.” “Now we are taking a big risk, no one wants to go to prison, so we are forced to dissolve ourselves,” Boykov said. According to him, part of the employees will be relocated from Russia. Many of them will continue their human rights activities as independent lawyers, or will go to work in other aid groups.

On November 30, at the request of the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court of Russia decided to ban the non-existent international LGBT movement and declare it extremist.

The recognition of one or another extremist organization in Russia means, among other things, a ban on the demonstration of its symbols, and any non-negative assessment can be interpreted as a justification of extremism or calls for the implementation of extremist activities. For participation in the activities of an “extremist organization”, its creator or leader can receive up to 10 years of imprisonment, and its participants – up to six years.

Since there is no “international public LGBT movement” in Russia, it is not clear what organizations and exactly how the ban on its activities will be affected. Some lawyers do not rule out risks for visitors to gay and lesbian clubs. Thus, the lawyer Aleksey Mikhalchyk believes that they can be brought to criminal responsibility. The very fact of holding a party is enough for this, the lawyer believes. The directors of the establishment are likely to face an even harsher punishment, he suggested.

According to Maksym Olenychev, a lawyer of the First Department, only gay and lesbian clubs that will hold human rights LGBT events may be in the risk zone. “The court’s decision should not apply to meetings of LGBT people and their manifestation in places that are not related to LGBT activism,” the lawyer suggested in a conversation with “Agency”.