Two LGBT websites challenge Russian censorship

The websites Gay.ru and Lesbi.ru have filed an appeal with Khakassia’s Supreme Court against the Altai District Court’s decision to add them to Russia’s Internet blacklist.

According to the human rights group “Agora,” which is representing the websites, Gay.ru and Lesbi.ru were never even informed about the “gay propaganda” charges against them, and thus were denied their right to a fair trial by the district court. The verdict against these LGBT websites also relied on no linguistic expertise.

Established in 1997, Gay.ru is one of Russia’s oldest LGBT websites. Lesbi.ruis an affiliate website. “Gay propaganda” in the presence of minors has been illegal in Russia since 2013.