Living Illegal: Being LGBT in Russia

Authors

• Jeremy M. Tsuchitani-Watson

Abstract

As lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) rights around the world continue a wave of progress, it is hard to imagine that the advances are being erased at the same pace. It is even harder to imagine this happening in a democratic society in a developed country. Finally, it is even more astounding that this is happening in a country that is considered a super power. However, it is happening, and has been happening since 2006.

For many reasons, the LGBTQ community has become a target of the Russian government; both the federal government and localized governments. One main reason for the oppression and discrimination is religion. Between the predominately Muslim Northern Caucuses region and the Russian Orthodox Church throughout the rest of the Russian Federation, the LGBTQ community is being oppressed. This oppression has led to individuals losing rights, being detained and tortured, and being victims of violent acts-including victims of extrajudicial killings.

This Article will look at the current crises in Russia. It will discuss the Chechnya concentration camps, the Russian "gay propaganda" law, and the ongoing violations of the freedom of expression, association, assembly, and the press. This Article will look at the domestic laws of Russia, and the international obligations of Russia. The goal of this Article is to bring awareness to the ongoing situation in Russia, the international obligations of Russia to the UN and the Council of Europe, and recommendations for change in Russia.

Disciplines

Comparative and Foreign Law | Human Rights Law | International Law | Law

Recommended Citation

Jeremy M. Tsuchitani-Watson, Living Illegal: Being LGBT in Russia, 2 Cardozo Int’l & Compar. L. Rev. 713 (2019).
Available at: https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/ciclr/vol2/iss3/5