Gays fined in Russia… for ‘looking gay’

In a recent incident highlighting Russia’s ongoing crackdown on gay rights, at least seven individuals faced fines after being detained in military-style uniforms during a police raid at a nightclub in Tula. The event took place in February and has been detailed in court documents accessed by the independent Russian media outlet, Verstka.

Footage from the police operation captured scenes of officers, equipped in military-style attire and helmets, detaining a minimum of eight people. They reportedly faced charges related to “trying to arouse interest in non-traditional sexual relations,” a legal framework that has been in place for a decade, primarily targeting individuals promoting pro-LGBT sentiments. Traditionally, such charges have been levelled against those disseminating LGBTQ+-related material rather than those merely dressed in what authorities deem to be “unmanly” clothing.

According to reports, the attire of those arrested was perceived as promoting ‘non-traditional sexual relations.’ One individual was noted for his provocative clothing choices, which included crosses of black tape affixed to his nipples and a women’s style corset worn over his naked body. Another detainee, described as having bright orange hair adorned with red tattoos, sported pink socks and an unbuttoned kimono. Allegations against other attendees included wearing a crop top, black leather shorts, and fishnet stockings.

Court rulings surrounding the incident classified the clothing of the detainees as a promotion of a ‘non-traditional’ lifestyle, asserting that their appearance did not conform to what was considered a traditional male image. Despite the number of individuals detained, not all faced fines. One male bartender successfully argued in court that his goth-inspired aesthetic, which featured eyebrow piercings and turquoise-dyed hair, exempted him, and he avoided a fine.

While not all judicial outcomes have been made public, reports reveal that at least two of the fined individuals were penalised £350, equivalent to 50,000 roubles. This instance is not an isolated one; authorities have previously conducted raids on nightclubs and bars in Moscow under legislation that criminalises LGBT propaganda. This long-standing legal framework, often referred to as Russia’s ‘anti-gay law,’ originally aimed to restrict the dissemination of LGBT-related content to minors but expanded in 2022 to encompass promotion of any ‘non-traditional lifestyles.’

Since the law’s enactment, there has been a notable increase in enforcement. In the year 2024 alone, at least 131 cases related to ‘LGBT propaganda’ have been processed by Russian courts, with fines ranging from £350 to £1,400 being imposed on numerous individuals.

Source: Noah Wire Services