In a significant ruling, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned Russia for its restrictions on LGBTIQ websites, stating these actions violated the freedom of expression of LGBT citizens. The court found that blocking access to online resources meant to support the LGBTIQ community was grounded in homophobia, thus infringing upon the rights to free speech as highlighted in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
This ruling stemmed from a case involving six Russians who faced charges of “promoting homosexuality to minors” due to their supportive online platforms. The ECHR highlighted that the restrictive measures taken by the Russian courts were unjustified, as they deemed the materials harmless and essential for the community. Additionally, the court ruled that Russia failed to protect privacy rights by improperly gathering personal data from users on social media.
The court’s decision accentuated that not only did Russia obstruct the dissemination of crucial information on same-sex relationships but it also neglected to act when private details of three homosexual individuals were shared publicly, a situation they labelled as motivated by homophobia. Despite Russia’s withdrawal from the court after its expulsion following the Ukraine invasion in 2022, the ECHR continues to hold the authority to assess cases from before this departure.
The European Court of Human Rights ruled against Russia for violating the freedom of expression of LGBTIQ individuals by blocking supportive websites and infringing on privacy through data collection. The ruling stemmed from a case involving six Russian citizens accused of promoting homosexuality. Despite Russia’s exit from the convention, the ECHR continues to evaluate past cases, emphasizing ongoing LGBTIQ rights issues tied to state-sanctioned discrimination.
The ruling by the ECHR underscores the ongoing struggle for LGBTIQ rights in Russia, revealing a harsh reality of discrimination and censorship. By affirming that Russia violated the rights of its LGBT citizens, particularly in terms of freedom of expression and privacy, the court sheds light on the systemic homophobia prevalent in the country. This landmark decision serves as a critical reminder of the need for ongoing advocacy and protection of human rights across Europe.
Original Source: 76crimes.com
