Category Archives: Allgemein

Russia student fined for speech in Telegram chats

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Russia student fined for speech in Telegram chats

The Russian government fined a nineteen-year old college student in the Crimean city of Sevastopol roughly $1,300 Monday for allegedly “discrediting armed forces” and promoting “LGTBQA+ propaganda” on Telegram chat posts.

According to the city’s Interior Ministry, the student posted comments critical of the Russian military’s involvement in Ukraine and voiced support for homosexuality identity. In one post authorities cited as evidence him, the student allegedly wrote “I am 72 percent gay” along with the results from a joke-bot’s random assessment of his online activity. Another screenshot reveals a post calling to petition Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to create a “reservation of Russian slaves for residents of temporally occupied territories.”

Russia has labeled the LGBTQA+ movement as extremist and has been banned in Russia since 2023. Fines for “LGTBQA+ propaganda” are part of a continued crackdown on the LGTBQA+ community and amassed the Russian government around $314,000 in 2024. The suppressive action has targeted individuals and companies alike. Local businesses are also under threat. In May, a Saint Petersburg court fined a bookstore approximately $10,000 for selling books in which “signs of propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” were found.

The crackdown has resulted in more serious punishments as well: Earlier this month, a legal proceeding was initiated against a LGTBQA+ activist, and a resident of Tula Oblast Fedyainov was arrested for seven days for publishing LGTBQA+ symbols on social media site VKontakte between January 2021 and December 2022 — before the government began targeting LGBTQA+ content in 2023. In February, the first public sentence for LGTBQA+ involvement was issued. 

The post Russia student fined for speech in Telegram chats appeared first on JURIST – News.

European Court of Human Rights rules Czech Republic violated trans rights with forced sterilisation

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European Court of Human Rights rules Czech Republic violated trans rights with forced sterilisation

In a pivotal judgment delivered on 12 June 2025, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has found that the Czech Republic violates the rights of trans people by requiring forced sterilisation as a legal requirement for legal gender recognition.

More: https://www.ilga-europe.org/press-release/european-court-rules-the-czech-republic-violated-trans-rights-with-forced-sterilisation/

Legal proceeding initiated against Russia activist amid LGBTQA+ crackdown

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Legal proceeding initiated against Russia activist amid LGBTQA+ crackdown

The Investigative Committee of Yaroslavl Oblast initiated a criminal proceeding on Thursday against Russian LGBTQA+ activist Yaroslav Sirotkin on the charges of participation in an “extremist organization,” according to local media.

According to the investigation, Sirotkin posted 14 social media posts and videos that included “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships” between December 2023 and January 2024. The LGBTQA+ movement is identified as extremist and has been banned in Russia since 2023.

Sirotkin, who is considered to be a “foreign agent” by the government, left Russia in 2022. After arriving in Armenia, he opened a shelter for LGBTQ+ refugees from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus with another activist, Alexander Derrek. In 2024, Sirotkin was placed on a wanted list by Russian authorities.

Legal actions against Sirotkin are part of the larger anti-LGBTQA+ crackdown in Russia affecting both individuals and companies. In February, for instance, online platform Wattpad was fined 3.5 million rubles (approximately $44,000) for not deleting an LGBTQA+ novel. In May, an activist was also fined 2000 rubles (approximately $25) for a Pink Floyd emoji in her Telegram name.

In 2024, the fines for “propaganda of LGBTQA+ movement” totaled 25 million rubles (approximately $314,000): 71 citizens of Russia and other states and 20 judicial persons were fined, and at least four foreign nationals were deported. Recent LGBTQA+ activists affected are Nikolai Rodkin, against whom a similar proceeding of participating in an “extremist organization” was initiated, and Alexandra Kazantseva, who was placed on a wanted list in March.

In February, the first known sentence for LGBTQA+ involvement was issued when an imprisoned man was given a six-year extension on his sentence for “involving other prisoners in the LGBTQA+ movement.”

Some of the legal actions of the Russian government are countered by international bodies. In February, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found that Russia violated Article 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which protects the right to expression, by blocking and fining LGBTQA+ activists. The court ordered financial compensation.

The post Legal proceeding initiated against Russia activist amid LGBTQA+ crackdown appeared first on JURIST – News.

#RenewIESOGI: Join civil society organisations worldwide urging the UN Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity

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#RenewIESOGI: Join civil society organisations worldwide urging the UN Human Rights Council to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
Dear all, In July 2025, the UN Human Rights Council will vote to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. From our records, you signed your organisation on the joint civil society organisations’ call from across the world to renew this vital mandate in 2019 and/or in 2022. Join us again! Some recommendations before signing: The link to sign on to the statement is at the bottom of the page (below the text of the statement)! Only organizations can sign the statement Organizations can only sign once Please ensure you sign on before Thursday, 19 June 2025  
SIGN ON THE GLOBAL JOINT STATEMENT
  We encourage you to share the link widely with your networks – support from all kinds of organisations is essential. Signatures from human rights organisations, groups working specifically on LGBT or LGBTI issues and allied organisations are welcome!   If you are a network, please make sure to share it with your members and encourage them to sign on! Since its creation in 2016, the mandate has extensively documented discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity. They sent over 171 communications documenting allegations of violations and carried out 10 country visits – engaging in constructive dialogue and assisting States to implement international human rights standards, as well as collaborating with UN mechanisms.  However, violence and discrimination still persist worldwide, and it is essential that the mandate  continues its work. In 2022, the renewal of this mandate was supported by 56 States from all regions of the globe, and by 1,256 civil society organisations from 149 States and territories. We count on your support to repeat this historic achievement!  
SIGN ON THE GLOBAL JOINT STATEMENT
  And be heard at the United Nations: let’s #RenewIESOGI, together! In solidarity, Elise GOLAY – International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)  
—– ESPAÑOL —–
#RenewIESOGI: Únase a organizaciones de la sociedad civil de todo el mundo para instar al Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU a renovar el mandato de le Experte Independiente sobre la violencia y la discriminación por motivos de orientación sexual e identidad de género
Estimades todes: En julio de 2025, el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas votará la renovación del mandato de le Experte Independiente sobre la orientación sexual y la identidad de género. Según nuestros registros, usted firmó la declaración conjunta de organizaciones de la sociedad civil de todo el mundo para renovar este mandato vital en 2019 y/o 2022. ¡Únase de nuevo a nosotres! Algunas recomendaciones antes de firmar: El enlace para firmar la declaración se encuentra al final de la página (debajo del texto de la declaración) Solo las organizaciones pueden firmar la declaración Las organizaciones sólo pueden firmar una sola vez Asegúrese de firmar antes del jueves 19 de junio de 2025  
FIRME LA DECLARACIÓN CONJUNTA GLOBAL
  Desde su creación en 2016, los titulares del mandato han documentado ampliamente la discriminación y la violencia por motivos de orientación sexual e identidad de género. Han enviado más de 171 comunicaciones en las que se documentan denuncias de violaciones y han realizado 10 visitas a países, en las que han entablado un diálogo constructivo y han ayudado a los Estados a aplicar las normas internacionales de derechos humanos, además de colaborar con los mecanismos de las Naciones Unidas. Sin embargo, la violencia y la discriminación siguen persistiendo en todo el mundo, por lo que es esencial que el mandato pueda continuar su labor. En 2022, la renovación de este mandato fue apoyada por 56 Estados de todas las regiones del mundo y por 1256 organizaciones de la sociedad civil de 149 Estados y territorios. ¡Contamos con su apoyo para repetir este logro histórico!  
FIRME LA DECLARACIÓN CONJUNTA GLOBAL
  Y haga oír su voz en las Naciones Unidas: ¡renovemos juntes el mandato del IESOGI! #RenewIESOGI En solidaridad, Elise GOLAY – International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)  
—– FRANÇAIS—–
#RenewIESOGI: Joignez-vous aux organisations de la société civile du monde entier qui appellent le Conseil des droits de l’Homme des Nations unies à renouveler le mandat de l’expert indépendant contre la violence et la discrimination fondées sur l’orientation sexuelle et l’identité de genre.
Bonjour tout le monde,  En juillet 2025, le Conseil des droits de l’Homme des Nations unies votera pour renouveler le mandat de l’Expert indépendant sur l’orientation sexuelle et l’identité de genre. D’après nos archives, vous aviez signé la déclaration conjointe des organisations de la société civile du monde entier à renouveler ce mandat vital en 2019 et/ou en 2022. Rejoignez-nous à nouveau ! Quelques recommandations avant de signer: Le lien pour signer est au bas de la page (sous le texte de la déclaration) Seulement les organisations peuvent signer la déclaration Les organisations ne peuvent signer qu’une seule fois Veuillez signer avant jeudi 19 juin 2025  
SIGNEZ LA DÉCLARATION CONJOINTE GLOBALE
  Nous vous encourageons à partager le lien avec vos réseaux – le soutien de tous types d’organisations est essentiel. Les signatures d’organisations de droits humains, de groupes travaillant spécifiquement sur les questions LGBT ou LGBTI et d’organisations alliées sont les bienvenues !   Si vous êtes un réseau, veillez à partager ce lien avec vos membres et à les encourager à signer !  Depuis sa création en 2016, le mandat a largement documenté la discrimination et la violence fondées sur l’orientation sexuelle et l’identité de genre. Les titulaires du mandat ont envoyé plus de 171 communications documentant des allégations de violations et effectué 10 visites de pays – engageant un dialogue constructif et soutenant les États à mettre en œuvre les normes internationales en matière de droits humains, ainsi qu’à collaborer avec les mécanismes de l’ONU. Cependant, la violence et la discrimination persistent dans le monde entier et il est essentiel que le mandat poursuive son travail. En 2022, le renouvellement de ce mandat a été soutenu par 56 États de toutes les régions du monde et par 1’256 organisations de la société civile de 149 États et territoires. Nous comptons sur votre soutien pour réitérer cet exploit historique !  
SIGNEZ LA DÉCLARATION CONJOINTE GLOBALE
  Et faites-vous entendre aux Nations unies : Ensemble, renouvelons le mandat ! #RenewIESOGI En toute solidarité, Elise GOLAY – International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)  

EU official condemns Hungary’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ content

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EU official condemns Hungary’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ content

The advocate general of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) said Hungary infringed European law by restricting access to LGBTQ+ content in an advisory opinion published Thursday.

Tamara Ćapeta stated that Hungary has deviated from the EU’s values and recommended the CJEU find that the nation infringed Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union (TEU):

The Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. These values are common to the Member States in a society in which pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and equality between women and men prevail.

In 2021, the Hungarian government introduced legislative amendments that prohibited and restricted LGBTQ+ content that “portrays or promotes gender identities that do not correspond to the sex assigned at birth, sex reassignment or homosexuality.” The European Commission — the main executive body of the European Union (EU) — responded by bringing an infringement action against the country and requested the CJEU to announce the violation. The Hungarian government titled the legislative action “Act LXXIX (79) of 2021: adopting stricter measures against persons convicted of paedophilia and amending certain laws for the protection of children.”

Hungary’s amendments restrict the freedom to provide and receive services, which are granted through the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Articles 49 through 55 establish the right of establishment; Articles 56 to 62 establish the right to services. The amendments also allegedly breach EU directives on electronic commerce, services, audiovisual media and data protection.

Hungary was additionally said to have infringed Articles 1, 7, 11 and 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (CFR). Allegations include infringement on the freedom of expression, freedom of information, the right to privacy and family life, the right to human dignity and the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual orientation. Ćapeta said that Hungary’s laws “are based on a value judgment that homosexual and non-cisgender life is not of equal value or status as heterosexual and cisgender life.”

Article 253 of the TFEU mandates that advocate generals “assist” the CJEU, directing them to act with “impartiality and independence.” However, their opinions are not legally binding.

In May, EU member states signed and published a declaration condemning Hungary’s crack down on the rights of LGBTQ+ people. On June 1, Budapest police justified banning a march through the strict laws, claiming the assembly resembled “Budapest Pride.”

The post EU official condemns Hungary’s restrictions on LGBTQ+ content appeared first on JURIST – News.

Hungary supreme court rules police ban of pride march unlawful

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Hungary supreme court rules police ban of pride march unlawful

The Hungarian Supreme Court ruled on Saturday that a police ban on the annual Budapest Pride march is unlawful since there was no legitimate goal behind the ban on the march.

The state, the defendants in this case, relied on a recent amendment to the Fundamental Law of Hungary to support their position to ban the Pride march. The defendants argued that the objective behind the ban was to protect children, echoing one of the provisions in the amendment that states all other interests and laws can be overruled in the name of protecting children. However, the court held that no evidence banning the Pride parade would protect children. Similar demonstrations had been allowed to take place in the past few weeks without police bans or interference, and it was not evident to the court how the Pride parade in particular endangered the safety of children. The case will not be referred to the European Court of Justice since the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

The controversial amendment was passed in mid-April of this year, effectively banning LGBTQ+ public events. The amendment to the law also denies gender identity, stating that sex changes are not recognized in Hungary to protect the stability of the family and to create an environment that is protective of children’s development.

In late March, thousands of people protested in Budapest against the amendment, but after its proposal by the national-conservative political party, Fidesz, it made its way to being passed.

Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws have also been at issue with the EU. As of last week, 20 of the EU’s 27 member states issued a joint declaration accusing Hungary of violating the EU’s fundamental values through these laws and policies. Furthermore, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Fidesz have been the subject of debate in the EU for allegedly violating the rule of law and the EU’s fundamental values.

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Colombia urged to close gap between LGBT rights laws and lived realities amid rising violence

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Colombia urged to close gap between LGBT rights laws and lived realities amid rising violence

While Colombia has made notable progress in protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender-diverse (LGBT) individuals, the country must urgently address widespread discrimination and violence still faced by these communities, a UN human rights expert has warned Friday.

The UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Graeme Reid, concluded a fact-finding mission across multiple Colombian cities. In his statement, Reid praised the government’s commitment to equality and its legal reforms, but emphasized the stark disconnect between institutional progress and the daily lived experiences of LGBT individuals.

“Despite these positive developments, many LGBT people continue to experience discrimination and violence in their daily lives,” Reid said. “This is particularly acute for trans women and for those who face intersecting forms of marginalization as migrants, Indigenous persons, youth, or persons with disabilities.”

Reid’s visit comes at a time when other international bodies are raising serious concerns about the broader human rights situation in Colombia. A recent report from the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances revealed that enforced disappearances remain a systemic issue—especially in regions under the control of illegal armed groups—often affecting migrants, activists, and community leaders, including LGBT advocates.

Similarly, a November 2024 report by ABColombia and Colombian grassroots organizations shed light on the disproportionate violence faced by women, girls, and the LGBTQI+ community. The report highlighted how decades of conflict have embedded gender-based violence into everyday life, with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous women particularly affected. It noted the use of extreme cruelty in attacks on LGBT individuals and the alarming number of women human rights defenders killed in recent years.

“Violence against those who stand up for equality—including LGBT advocates—is not only a tragedy but a significant barrier to progress,” Reid said. He underscored the importance of comprehensive data collection, civil society collaboration, and policies that go beyond legislation to address structural inequality and social stigma.

Reid’s full findings will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.

The post Colombia urged to close gap between LGBT rights laws and lived realities amid rising violence appeared first on JURIST – News.

17 E.U. countries sound alarm over Hungarian LGBTQ laws

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17 E.U. countries sound alarm over Hungarian LGBTQ laws

Hungary’s parliament passed legislation in March that creates a legal basis to ban Pride marches and lets police use facial recognition cameras to identify people who attend.

They called on Hungary to revise the measures and asked the European Commission to make full use of its powers if Budapest does not do so. The Commission can take legal action against member states if it believes they are violating EU law.

The statement was backed by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

More: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/17-eu-countries-sound-alarm-hungarian-lgbtq-laws-rcna209197