Russian LGBT Network Closes Down After Being Labeled 'Extremist Organization'

The interregional public movement “Russian LGBT Network” has announced the termination of its activities. Representatives of the organization explained the decision by the impossibility of continuing their work and the high risks for employees and volunteers following a recent ban.

In April 2026, the St. Petersburg City Court, following a lawsuit by the Russian Ministry of Justice, recognized the movement as an extremist organization. The hearing was held behind closed doors. According to media reports , the lawsuit was prompted by the group’s human rights activities, including the submission of data on human rights violations to a UN special rapporteur.

Founded in 2006, the Russian LGBT Network was one of the country’s oldest and largest human rights structures of its kind. The organization provided legal, psychological, and emergency assistance to victims of discrimination.

The closure of the network occurs amid an ongoing campaign by Russian authorities against LGBT initiatives. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court banned a non-existent “international LGBT public movement,” and since early 2026, five other regional organizations and projects assisting queer people have received extremist status.