Russia is using a dirty trick to kick LGBTQ websites off of the internet

LGBT flag map of Russia
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Russia has used a dirty trick to shut down two LGBTQ organizations and block their websites and social media accounts from appearing online. It has labeled them as “foreign agents.”

On Friday, Russia’s Justice Ministry added two LGBTQ advocacy groups to its registry of so-called foreign agents: Coming Out and Revers. Both groups offer help to queer Russians trying to survive the nation’s years-long anti-LGBTQ crackdown.

Related: Russian could soon ban “LGBTQ ideology” for being an “extremist” movement

Any individual, organization, media outlet, or political movement can find itself on the government’s foreign agent registry if they receive even a small donation from a foreigner and engage in any “loosely defined political activity” that challenges the government’s power.

Russia can use the registry to block any group or individual’s web presence, further isolating any queer Russians who would turn to the groups for resources and help. In essence, the “foreign agent” designation is just another tool to help Russia oppress its queer citizens.

In June 2013, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the country’s…

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