The CSP is expressing solidarity with Russia’s LGBTQIA+ community who are facing further state prejudice and discrimination.
Russia's justice ministry has declared as extremist the international LGBTQIA+ movement. This could lead to legal persecution of LGBTQIA+ people and bans on organisations supporting the community.
Russia already has draconian anti-LGBT laws banning “gay propaganda”. The law has resulted in the removal of references to LGBTQIA+ people in books, films, adverts and television programmes.
Commenting, CSP Council chair Ishmael Beckford said: 'We stand in solidarity with the Russian LGBTQIA+ community and with LGBTQIA+ people around the world who are subject to persecution because of who they love.
'This November saw the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 in England and Wales. It was 19 years ago that legal recognition of same sex relationships was introduced.
What is happening in Russia reminds us we can never take for granted the rights won over the years by the LGBTQIA+ community.
Homosexuality can be “punishable” by the death penalty in 11 countries and by other penalties in a further 52 countries. 29 Commonwealth countries criminalise homosexuality, many of whom have maintained colonial era homophobic laws.
Criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts | ILGA World Database
Number of subscribers: 4
Log in to comment and read comments that have been added