Two individuals fined £350 for wearing outfits deemed to promote “non-traditional sexual lifestyles” As Kremlin Intensifies Crackdown on LGBT Expression with Nightclub Raids, Harsh Fines, and Expanding ‘Traditional Values’ Agenda
At least seven individuals were fined in Russia for “looking too gay” following a police raid on a nightclub in Tula, according to an investigation by independent media outlet Verstka. The February operation saw men in military-style uniforms detain at least eight people, accusing them of violating Russia’s controversial laws against “promoting non-traditional sexual relations.”
Outfits Targeted as ‘Non-Traditional’
The detainees were accused of attempting to
“arouse interest in non-traditional sexual relations”
based on their clothing and appearance. Among the accused:
- A man wearing a women’s-style corset with black tape crosses on his nipples.
- Another with bright orange hair, pink socks, and fishnet tights paired with leather shorts and chains.
- A third sporting a cropped top, facial tattoos, and an unbuttoned kimono.
Judges ruled that these appearances violated traditional sexual norms. Verstka reported that two individuals were fined 50,000 roubles (£350) each, while a bartender avoided penalties by claiming his attire was part of his goth aesthetic.
Escalating Anti-LGBT Crackdown
The fines come amid Russia’s tightening anti-LGBT measures, part of a broader Kremlin campaign to promote so-called “traditional values.” Russia’s “anti-gay law,“ enacted in 2013, initially banned LGBT propaganda targeting minors but was expanded in 2022 to include all age groups.
In 2024 alone, at least 131 cases related to LGBT propaganda reached court, Verstka reported. Fines ranged from £350 to £1,400, penalizing individuals for acts such as posting rainbow flags on social media.
Broader Cultural Clampdown
This latest raid follows similar operations in Moscow, where police targeted nightclubs under anti-LGBT laws. The Russian government has also banned “child-free lifestyle propaganda” as part of its cultural push.
In August, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing foreigners aligned with Russia’s traditional values to apply for residency more easily—a move critics see as further marginalizing LGBT communities.
Global Backlash
Rights groups have condemned these actions, calling them an assault on freedom of expression and LGBT rights. With increased surveillance and punitive measures, Russia’s LGBT community faces mounting challenges in an increasingly hostile environment.
Join our Channel...