LGBTQ rights in Russia

LGBTQ Rights in Russia

People in Russia who love someone of the same gender or feel they belong to a different gender face many challenges. Even though it is legal for adults to have relationships with someone of the same gender, many people in Russia do not accept these relationships. Same-sex couples cannot get the same rights as married couples.

Russia has had different rules about these relationships over time. In the past, some leaders made strict rules against them. Recently, leaders made even stricter rules. For example, sharing ideas about different genders or relationships with young people is not allowed.

Because of these rules, life can be very hard for people who support equal rights. Many people who stand up for fairness face trouble with the law. This has made Russia have lower rankings for safety and fairness for LGBTQ people in Europe.

History

The first rules against some relationships between men were made in 1716 by Tsar Peter the Great. Later, in 1832, these rules became stricter under Tsar Nicholas I.

During the Soviet Union, rules about these relationships changed often. At first, they were allowed, but later, under Joseph Stalin, they became illegal again and many people were treated unfairly. Even after Stalin, these relationships stayed illegal, though attitudes began to change a little later.

When the Soviet Union ended, there was more freedom for people, and in 1992, the rules that made these relationships illegal were removed. However, unfair treatment and discrimination continued.

Current Situation

In Russia, couples of the same type cannot marry or have legal unions together. Leaders and many people in Russia do not support this idea. In 2020, Russia changed its rules to clearly say marriage is only between a man and a woman.

People trying to hold events to celebrate these relationships in cities like Moscow have faced many problems. Leaders have not allowed these events, saying they could cause trouble.

Chechnya

Some reports have talked about serious problems for people in Chechnya based on who they are or who they love. The leader of Chechnya has denied these reports. In 2018, a group checking on human rights said these bad actions happened.