The European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday ruled in favor of three Russian gay activists challenging Russia’s so-called “gay propaganda” law. Deutsche Welle reports.
Three leading Russian gay rights activists brought their case before the court after they were fined for holding placards between 2009 and 2012 which encouraged the acceptance of homosexuality.
They claimed the law violated rights to freedom of expression and prohibition of discrimination under the European Convention of Human Rights. It effectively bans the dissemination in Russia of any materials depicting homosexuality as normal.
The Strasbourg court said in a statement that such laws “reinforced stigma and prejudice and encouraged homophobia,” adding that “the very purpose of the laws as formulated and applied in the applicants’ case had been discriminatory and, overall, served no legitimate public interest.”
According to the court ruling, Russian lawmakers had “overstepped the margin of appreciation” of Article 10 of the convention, which guarantees freedom of expression.
The case marks the first major case contesting “gay propaganda” law. The claimants were awarded some 50,000 euros ($55,000).
The Kremlin said it plans to appeal the ruling.
“It’s important to note that we’re talking about (banning the promotion of homosexuality to) minors,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “Even when you ask a question it is very important to spell that out.”
