June 22, 2017 | Sex & Society

European Court Of Human Rights rules against anti-gay Russia

According to the European Court of Human Rights [ECHR], the Russian law that bans pro-gay “propaganda” is responsible for an increase in homophobia in the country.

The court recently heard the cases of three Russian gay rights activists who had been arrested under similar, though city-specific, laws against "promoting" homosexuality. Such laws were the basis for the federal law, which was passed in 2013.

“By adopting such laws the [Russian] authorities reinforce stigma and encourage homophobia, which is incompatible with the notions of equality, pluralism and tolerance inherent in a democratic society,” the court declared this week.

Russian lawyers had argued that the laws were essential to protect the morals, health and rights of other people. They also suggested that homosexuality was not accepted by the majority of Russians so did not deserve protections.

The court did not buy any of the arguments.

It found that Russia had violated the European convention on human rights on freedom of expression (article 10) and prohibition of discrimination (article 14). The ECHR ordered Russia to pay damages totalling almost $48,000 USD, plus costs and interest within three months.

The only jurist to dissent was Russian judge Dmitry Dedov. He wrote that “a positive image of homosexuality adversely affects the development of children and puts them at risk of sexual violence.”

The Kremlin has not released an official response to the decision, but a spokesperson said that Vladimir Putin was reviewing the decision. We're certain he'll embrace the findings, pay the fines, and make Russia a much more gay-friendly country!