Russia Bans Elton John AIDS Foundation, Citing Threat to “Traditional Values”

Russia’s General Prosecutor has banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation, labeling its activities as “undesirable” and accusing the organisation of promoting values contrary to Russian traditions. The decision, announced Thursday, applies to both the U.S. and U.K.-registered branches of the foundation. Authorities alleged the foundation was part of a broader Western campaign to undermine Russia’s “spiritual and moral values” and spread “anti-Russian propaganda” through support for LGBTQ+ rights and Western family models.

The foundation, founded by British singer Elton John, expressed devastation over the ban, warning that it would severely impact HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Russia. “This work is urgent,” the foundation said, highlighting that over 1.2 million people in Russia are living with HIV, and more than 430,000 are not receiving treatment. It emphasized its long-standing collaboration with Russian institutions to provide life-saving care and services to hundreds of thousands over the past two decades.

Russia’s move comes amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights and Western influence. President Vladimir Putin has positioned Russia in opposition to what he describes as a morally decaying West, promoting laws that ban LGBTQ+ “propaganda” and advocating for traditional family structures. The prosecutor’s office further accused the foundation of trying to discredit Russia over the ongoing war in Ukraine, calling it part of an orchestrated Western campaign.

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