Putin Says LGBTQ Community Is Part of Russian Society

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the LGBTQ community is part of society while Russian authorities asked the Supreme Court to declare the LGBTQ 'movement' extremist.

Speaking at the cultural forum in St. Petersburg on Friday, Putin said it's required to show the life of the LGBTQ community when competing at cultural contests in Western countries, but added that they have the right to do so.

"This is also part of society, this is what people live for. It's only bad if they are the only ones to win the competition," Putin said.

On the same day, the Russian Justice Ministry said it has filed a lawsuit with the nation's Supreme Court to outlaw the LGBTQ+ “international public movement” as extremist, the latest crippling blow against the already beleaguered LGBTQ+ community in the increasingly conservative country.

The ministry said in an online statement announcing the lawsuit that authorities have identified “signs and manifestations of extremist nature” in “the activities of the LGBT movement active" in Russia, including “incitement of social and religious discord.”

Russia's Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing to consider the lawsuit for Nov. 30, the ministry said.

It is not yet clear what exactly the label would entail for LGBTQ+ people in Russia if the Supreme Court sides with the Justice Ministry, and the ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But the move in itself represents the latest, and possibly by far the most drastic, step in the decade-long crackdown on gay rights in Russia unleashed under President Vladimir Putin, who has put “traditional family values” at the cornerstone of his rule.

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[SB-cytr]

Hes saying that gays shouldn't be limited in their freedoms in society, but he doesn't want them to be over privileged and promoted on every corner like propaganda.

[CalgaryHyundai]

They deserve rights, but not special privileges. Exactly.

[ChristinaLoveletting]

It’s scary when Putin starts to make so much sense, compared to our choice of presidents.

[Suicidal_Soy_Sauce]

American politicians want us to hate this man, but he is more rational than half of the US!

[Chumbus]

He’s saying they deserve equality under the law but not special privileges like they do in the US.

[Mayzo_D]

"Transformers" 😂😂😂😂😂
You got that right, Putin!! 😂

[nisa]

He's not the only one who feels this way, but out here they are being treated like royalty.. weird

[mikecondy]

When they start twerking naked in front of 5 year olds.... you've got a problem!

[selbos]

I’m gay, and I agree with him. Protect gay rights, but there’s no need for flags, pride marches or over-representation.

[MirrorMan]

Imagine peace with Russia instead of thinking ‘bad Putin ‘.Many many others are no better

[dreamarouse]

When the "enemy" is making more sense than the people in charge you got to wonder if really is the "enemy"

[Acheron]

“All sorts of transformers.”

Putin cracks me up sometimes 🤣🤣🤣

[tooalienforearth]

Our “enemy” makes more sense than any politician in America. Why?

[thefaithful]

My guy called them ' Transformers ' 😂

[maratohanyan]

He is saying that being gay is not a privilege.

[i.joannav.c]

EXTREMELY SMART, CLEVER, DIPLOMATIC, CONSCIOUS GREAT 🌺🦋🌺🦋🌺🦋🌺🦋🌺🦋🌺

[tajhussain]

Peoples shouldn’t forget that president Putin comes from intelligence background, and he is the smartest leader in the whole world.!!

[derektomlinson]

I have no problem with LGBT, I have a problem with them enforcing the ideology on our children . Let everyone find their own path and destination. Any enforcement always ends in conflict and bad outcomes.We know this historically.

[mitskibogi]

He is saying sexuality preferences should stay in the bedroom and No one cares what you do, but society will determine the acceptable boundaries. OPAH.

[ryanclw]

Tell that to Hollywood bro, I can’t watch their movies anymore