Why Is Russia Calling LGBT Movement As 'Extremist Organisation'

Russia’s Supreme Court has banned all LGBT activities across the country. The judgement called them out for being an extremist organisation. Although no such organization exists, the country has heavily politicised LGBT movements inciting evacuations, and censoring TV programs, adverts, books and films. Just three years ago, Russia’s constitution changed by stating that marriage between a man and a woman is the only legal and traditional union. The change banned all same-sex marriages.

Vitaly Milonov, a famously homophobic MP from the ruling party, United Russia told BBC that LGBT movements act as a political force with an agenda that contravenes the Russian constitution. He even called out the rainbow flag as a symbol of the fight against traditional family values. The enforcement on LGBT communities, the report by BBC mentioned, is aimed at protecting the moral values of Russia from Western influence. 

This news comes at the time when Nepal became the first South Asian country to officially register same-sex marriage. Moreover, just recently, Delhi witnessed the pride march with huge participation and enthusiasm. Amidst all this, news like this is a real disappointment. It shows that every step we put forward towards the acceptance of the LGBT community comes with a warning. 

The major problem with the ruling of Russia is the politicisation of the LGBT community. What is the need to politicise something that is hugely personal? When sexuality is biological, why should it become a political movement disrupting traditional values? It is not that a person has control over their sexuality. A political movement is something that has an agenda and can be controlled. But sexuality is not a movement. It is biology and is as intrinsic and personal as any ‘normal’ biology. 

Moreover, it is time we change our definition of traditional. Time is advancing and so is science. With each new day, we are learning novel things about humanity and our surroundings. We are no longer living in a time where we still go by the traditional rules. We need to change with the changing society. Otherwise, the consequences can be really devastating. Just recently our country India was shaken by the suicide of a 16-year-old queer artist Pranshu due to online bullying. Are we ready to witness more such losses? 

 Views expressed are the author's own.