The Russian Ministry of Justice has announced the submission of an administrative legal claim to the Supreme Court, seeking the recognition of the International LGBT public movement as extremist and the prohibition of its activities in Russia.

The ministry did not clarify whether the intended ban targeted specific groups or organizations, leaving ambiguity regarding its potential impact on the LGBTQ community, related causes, and individuals at large.

This proposed prohibition is part of an ongoing and intensified crackdown on LGBTQ individuals in Russia, a trend that has heightened since the commencement of Russia’s offensive on Ukraine in February of the preceding year.

Russia has previously employed the extremist classification against various rights organizations and opposition groups, exposing their members to legal repercussions, France 24 reported.

The justice ministry alleged that the “LGBT movement operating on the territory of the Russian Federation” exhibited “various signs and manifestations of extremism,” including the incitement of social and religious hatred.

The announcement did not explicitly define the scope of this movement, but a court hearing is scheduled for November 30.

The leader of the Sphere human rights group, dedicated to advocating for the rights of the Russian LGBTQ community, expressed criticism in response to the ministry’s statement.

Written by B.C. Begley