Russia Bans Gender Changes, Sparking Outrage from Human Rights Groups
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning gender changes in the country. The law, which was passed unanimously by both houses of parliament earlier this month, makes it illegal to undergo any medical interventions aimed at changing a person’s sex, as well as to change a person’s gender in official documents or public records.
The law also annuls marriages in which one person has “changed gender” and bars transgender people from adopting children. It enters into force immediately.
The law has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists, who say it is discriminatory and violates the rights of transgender people. “This law is a clear attack on the rights of transgender people in Russia,” said Tanya Lokshina, the director of Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia division. “It will make it much harder for transgender people to live their lives with dignity and respect.”
The law is the latest step in Russia’s crackdown on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, the government has passed a number of laws that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including a law banning the “propaganda” of homosexuality to minors.
The ban on gender changes is seen as part of the Kremlin’s efforts to promote what it calls “traditional values” in Russia. The law is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of transgender people in Russia, making it more difficult for them to access medical care and live their lives openly.
Reaction to the Law
The law has been met with widespread criticism from human rights groups and LGBTQ+ activists.
- Human Rights Watch: “This law is a clear attack on the rights of transgender people in Russia. It will make it much harder for transgender people to live their lives with dignity and respect.”
- Amnesty International: “This law is a cruel and discriminatory attack on transgender people in Russia. It will make it much harder for them to access the medical care they need and to live their lives openly.”
- Equality Now: “This law is a violation of the rights of transgender people to live their lives with dignity and respect. It is a step backwards for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in Russia.”
The law has also been condemned by some Russian politicians.
- Dmitry Gudkov, a member of the Russian parliament: “This law is a disgrace. It is a clear attack on the rights of transgender people and it will make their lives much harder.”
- Ksenia Sobchak, a former presidential candidate: “This law is a step backwards for Russia. It is discriminatory and it will harm the lives of transgender people.”
Impact of the Law
The ban on gender changes is likely to have a significant impact on the lives of transgender people in Russia. It will make it more difficult for them to access medical care, such as gender reassignment surgery. It will also make it more difficult for them to change their gender in official documents, such as their passport. This could make it difficult for them to travel, work, and access other basic services.
The law is also likely to have a negative impact on the mental health of transgender people in Russia. It could lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. It could also make them feel isolated and discriminated against.
