rights – Felix Gay Lesbian and Bisexual Organization

RUSSIA HARDENS ITS ANTI-LGBT POLICY

Although homosexuality is not itself criminalized, Russia is among the most hostile countries towards the LGBTI community. Especially thanks to legislation banning so-called LGBTI “propaganda” in the country, which President Vladimir Putin amplified in December.

Since 1993 homosexuality has been legal in Russia. However, the Kremlin has found in the “anti-LGBTI propaganda” law (as it is popularly known) a tacit way of prohibiting any type of public expression of sexual diversity, as well as the LGBTI movement in the country.

READ MORE: “PANSEXUAL AND BISEXUAL DIFFERENCE“

This law entered into force in 2013 and, according to various NGOs, it is written so vaguely that it is used as a political instrument and a violation of human rights. According to it, anyone who “promotes” “non-traditional” relationships can be fined.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT PUTIN HAS MADE TO THE ANTI-LGBTI LAW?

The 2013 law prohibited the dissemination of information related to the LGBTQ community to minors. However, the extension now also extends the measure to adults, and includes the fact of “praise” the “non-traditional” relationships or say that they are “normal”.

On the other hand, information on gender change cannot be given either. In addition, the law includes and associates pedophilia, which is a paraphilia and is not part of the accepted spectrum of sexual diversity, with the LGBTI collective, which results in misinformation.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES THAT PUTIN HAS MADE TO THE ANTI-LGBTI LAW?

The law includes the Internet, mass communication media, books, audiovisual services, cinema and advertising. As mentioned above, this legislation is also used for political purposes, and is one of the tools that Putin keeps in his “culture war” with the West.

READ MORE:”THE BATTLE OF LARGO“

Punishments include fines of up to 400,000 rubles (US$6,370) for “LGBT propaganda” and up to 200,000 rubles (US$3,185) for “LGBT demonstrations and information that encourages gender change among adolescents.” For legal persons, the fines go up to 4 and 5 million rubles tukif (between 64 thousand and 80 thousand US dollars).

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE LGBTI COMMUNITY WORSENS

In 2017, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the 2013 anti-LGBTQ law was discriminatory, promoted homophobia, and was in clear violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Likewise, various NGOs such as Amnesty International and ILGA Europe have launched various reports against it. In fact, the latter body has ranked Russia 46th out of 49 European nations when it comes to inclusion of the LGBTQ community.

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Among the facts denounced by ILGA-Europe are crimes motivated by discrimination and hate. In their 2020 report, they indicated that most of them were registered in Saint Petersburg, Dagestan and Chechnya, and that they have been increasing continuously since 2013.

Many victims are assaulted during “fake dates“, such as the case of a trans woman who was attacked in February 2020, according to the agency. Despite this, the same report ensures that small advances in judicial matters, such as several convictions of perpetrators, have taken place.

FORGE works to create a safe and productive environment for people of all genders within Florida. FORGE believes in supporting Transgender educational programs, Human Rights Initiatives and advocacy movements that is inclusive for all people.
FORGE will fight discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, economic status, age, ability, ethnicity, shape, size, style, religion, or any other characteristic. We urge those people who have felt traditionally unheard to join us and allow you voice a way to be heard. This is a movement for all, and we refuse to leave no one behind.
FORGE believes in a true grassroots strategy that help creates solutions for the problems of those in most critical need. FORGE is dedicated in bringing transgender and other gender activists, advocates, allies and community members together from across the state to:

• Create a formal statewide network of leaders and advocates committed to gender equality;
• Share local victories and information with others to create a State of the State Report;
• Identify and prioritize the most pressing issues regarding gender equality in Florida; and, Build consensus around a statewide gender education and advocacy strategy.
About FORGE
FORGE believes in a transgender education  and advocacy movement that includes ALL people.
FORGE will not discriminate based on gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, economic status, age, ability, ethnicity, shape, size, style, religion, or any other characteristic. In fact, we urge those people who have felt traditionally under-represented or unheard to join us. This is a movement for all, and we refuse to leave anyone behind.
FORGE believes in a true grassroots strategy that creates solutions for the problems of those in most critical need.

Guiding Vision The vision of the Florida Gender Equality Project (FORGE) is to initiate profound and progressive non-violent social change which will result in an end to oppression and violence based on gender identity and expression.
Guiding Mission The mission of the Florida Gender Equality Project (FORGE) is to build, protect and advance a safe and productive environment for people of all gender identities and expressions by using education and advocacy to create positive change.
FORGE will pursue broad-based transgender initiatives to educate and influence the government, the private sector, other organizations and the general public.
Through our actions, FORGE will uphold human dignity and equal rights for all people regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, creed, sex, age, ethnicity, religion,  national origin, economic status, nature of employment, disability, marital status, familial status, or any other minority status.