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French Senate backs enshrining right to abortion in constitution

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The French Senate has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to solidify women’s right to abortion, following a similar endorsement by the National Assembly. The vote, with 267 in favor and 50 against, reflects growing pressure to strengthen abortion rights amidst concerns over erosion in allied nations like the US and Poland.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a special joint session of both houses of parliament, away from Paris, in Versailles, to vote on the amendment. If passed with a three-fifths majority, a referendum won’t be necessary. An Ifop poll from November 2022 indicated strong public support, with 86% favoring the amendment.

While all major political parties in France support abortion rights, there was a revision in the language of the amendment, changing from endorsing the “right” to abortion to advocating for the “freedom” to have one. This adjustment, calling for “guaranteed freedom,” was approved by the Senate.

President Macron has pledged to make women’s freedom to choose abortion “irreversible” by enshrining it in the constitution. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hailed the move as historic, positioning France as the first country to constitutionally protect women’s freedom in deciding about their bodies.

Conservative senators expressed feeling pressured to approve the amendment, with one anonymously stating concerns about familial repercussions if she voted against it.

The backdrop to this decision includes ongoing debates in the US, where abortion rights have been challenged, leading to restrictions in many states, and in Poland, where a near-total ban on abortion was imposed by the Constitutional Court in 2020.

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Russia: LGBT groups could be declared ‘extremist’ in court ruling

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In Moscow, a traditional marriage ceremony showcasing customs from the far north of Russia is part of an exhibition promoting patriotism and “traditional values.” The weddings at the event adhere to the constitutional definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, emphasizing the absence of recognition for same-sex unions in Russia.

Over the years, Russia’s LGBTQ+ community has faced increasing pressure from authorities, marked by a law enacted in 2013 prohibiting the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” among minors. These restrictions were expanded to all age groups in Russia last year, leading to the removal of references to LGBTQ+ individuals from various forms of media.

The Russian justice ministry has now sought to label the non-existent “International LGBT public movement” as an “extremist” organization, aiming for a ban. LGBTQ+ activists fear that if the supreme court supports this motion, individuals associated with LGBTQ+ activism could face lengthy prison sentences for allegedly participating in an extremist organization.

Members of the Russian parliament, particularly Vitaly Milonov, argue that the move is not an attack on sexual minorities but is instead aimed at countering the political agenda of an international LGBTQ+ movement. Milonov expresses a desire to ban activities from LGBTQ+ international organizations in Russia and even suggests banning the rainbow flag, considering it a symbol against traditional family values.

The Kremlin, under Vladimir Putin, has embraced an ideology centered on conservative thinking and “traditional family values,” portraying LGBTQ+ activism as a Western threat to Russia. The pressure on the LGBTQ+ community is framed as a defense of the moral fabric of the country.

Some activists believe that the supreme court hearing on labeling the “International LGBT public movement” as extremist is linked to the upcoming presidential election, suggesting that authorities are creating an artificial enemy to appeal to conservative sentiments. LGBTQ+ advocates view this as an attempt to distract the public from pressing issues.

Maxim Goldman, who identifies as non-binary, describes feeling rejected by their own country and reveals plans to leave Russia urgently due to the anticipated crackdown on LGBTQ+ activism. Others, like municipal deputy Sergei Troshin, express concerns about potential legal consequences for advocating LGBTQ+ rights, highlighting the pervasive atmosphere of fear in Russian society.

In summary, Russia’s LGBTQ+ community is facing increased hostility from authorities, with potential legal consequences for activists and a broader societal atmosphere of fear and repression.

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Russia Pushes for Designation of “Extremist” Status for LGBT Movement

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Russia’s Ministry of Justice has officially requested the Supreme Court to classify the “international LGBT public movement” as extremist, leaving the scope of this classification ambiguous – whether it targets the entire LGBT community or specific organizations within it. The ministry contends that the movement has engaged in what it deems as extremist activities, including the incitement of “social and religious strife.” If approved, this move could expose LGBT activists to criminal prosecution, following the pattern of the Russian government’s use of the “extremist” label against rights groups and opposition entities in the past.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the motion on November 30, potentially leading to a ban that would significantly impede the operations of LGBT organizations and put activists at serious legal risk. Critics view this as a potential populist maneuver, strategically timed to gain support ahead of an upcoming presidential election, where Vladimir Putin is widely anticipated to run for a fifth term. Under Putin’s leadership, Russia has intensified its crackdown on LGBT activism, framing it as an attack on “traditional Russian values.” This crackdown notably escalated after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Recent legislative measures further demonstrate this trend, with a December law expanding the prohibition of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to all age groups, equating positive depictions of same-sex relationships with activities like distributing pornography or promoting violence. In July, additional legislation banned gender reassignment surgery, exacerbating concerns about transgender rights in the country. Despite official claims that “non-traditional sexual relations” are not banned in Russia, this latest move deepens existing concerns within the already vulnerable LGBT community.

The LGBT community in Russia faces dual pressures from both the state and homophobic/transphobic groups, often resulting in physical attacks against activists. Dilya Gafurova, the head of an LGBT charity who has left Russia, highlighted that the authorities aim not only to erase the community from the public sphere but also to formally ban it as a social group. Despite these challenges, Gafurova affirmed the community’s determination to continue the fight for their rights and visibility.

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