LGBT Rights in Russia

In Russia, the state attacks on the civil rights of LGBT people, it reduces the space to discuss homosexuality, introduces censorship in the media and the persecutes LGBT. The majority of Russian citizens still belongs to the LGBT intolerant and disrespectful.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees equality of rights and freedoms of all citizens. It does not explicitly mention sexual orientation or gender identity. The criminal code contains no liability for homosexual relations.

The Russian leadership declares that there is no discrimination and violation of LGBT citizens' rights. According to human rights defenders, discrimination of LGBT citizens in Russia is widespread and systematic, and most cases remain unknown to the public.

Human rights activists consider the most disturbing developments in recent years in relation to the rights of LGBT people in Russia passing laws against "homosexual propaganda". Russian politicians explain the need for such laws  to protect the health and morality of children.