LGBTQ+ people in the United States love to bemoan their "oppressed" status, but a recent story from Moscow indicates that American LGBTQ+ folks really have no idea how good they have it.
Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow Friday night, less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organization.
Police searched venues across the Russian capital, including a nightclub, a male sauna, and a bar that hosted LGBTQ+ parties, under the pretext of a drug raid, local media reported.
Eyewitnesses told journalists that clubgoers’ documents were checked and photographed by the security services. They also said that managers had been able to warn patrons before police arrived.
The raids follow a decision by Russia’s Supreme Court to label the country’s LGBTQ+ “movement” as an extremist organization.
It would be interesting to survey LGBTQ+ folks here in the United States to see if any of them are aware of a Supreme Court decision declaring them "extremists," or if any of them are aware of police raiding gar nightclubs or bars because this doesn't happen here.
Sometimes people should just be aware of how nasty most of the world is, and how good Western Civilization has made life for those of us lucky enough to live in it.
The ruling, which was made in response to a lawsuit filed by the Justice Ministry, is the latest step in a decadelong crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin, who has emphasized “traditional family values” during his 24 years in power.
Activists have noted the lawsuit was lodged against a movement that is not an official entity, and that under its broad and vague definition authorities could crack down on any individuals or groups deemed to be part of it.
For once, the "activists" are correct. But this is Russia, not the United States, where such a decision wouldn't be obtained.
There are a lot of problems with this Russian "decision." The original lawsuit, filed by the Russian Justice Ministry, sought to outlaw the LGBTQ+ "international public movement” as "extremist," allowing this action. This prompts a couple of questions.
First: How did the Russian Supreme Court (Russia has a Supreme Court? Who knew?) define the "global LGBTQ+ movement?" Who are the leaders of this movement? How do you define whether a person or organization belongs to this movement? Does the decision only apply to leaders and established organizations, or to anyone who might be somehow deemed a member of this "movement?"
Second: There have been no statutory changes from this court decision, and yet Russian police are raiding business establishments. Under what authority? Well, I think I can answer this one; this is Russia, Putin wants this done, and the "Eff You That's Why" principle applies.
Here, though, is the really disturbing bit:
The Supreme Court case is classified and it remains unclear how LGBTQ+ activists and symbols will be restricted.
A court decision is classified? Why? Are there some Russian national security issues involved here? What possible reason is there to make the details of this decision a secret? Can you imagine that here, in the U.S., where Supreme Court decisions are a matter of public record? In the United States, you can (and should) look up any Supreme Court decision, read it, read the dissents, and make up your own mind as to the implications and possible policy effects. In Russia? Not so much.
To the American LGBTQ+ community, I can only say this: Talk to your counterparts in Russia. Talk to your counterparts in the Middle East. You really need to develop a better understanding of just how good you have it here in the Land of the Free.
FLASHBACK: RedState is, as ever, on the spot with reporting on this and related issues. See more at these links:
