Russian Authorities Fine Nightclub Partygoers in Tula for Wearing Outfits Deemed Too Gay and Against Traditional Values

In a shocking move, Russian officials fined nightclub goers for their choice of outfits, deeming them to be “too gay.”

This incident occurred during a police raid at a nightclub in Tula in February, where at least seven people were penalized for allegedly violating laws against promoting “non-traditional sexual relations.”

Police Raid and Arrests

The raid took place in the early months of 2024, with video footage showing men in military-style uniforms detaining at least eight individuals.

These individuals were reportedly charged with “trying to arouse interest in non-traditional sexual relations,” a charge that has been banned in Russia for the past decade.

Although this law is generally applied to those promoting LGBT content, it was applied in this case due to the clothing choices of the detained.

The detained individuals wore outfits that the authorities claimed were promoting “non-traditional sexual relations.”

One man’s outfit reportedly included a corset and crosses of black tape glued to his chest, while another man, sporting bright orange hair and red tattoos on his face, was wearing pink socks and a kimono.

There was also a man dressed in a crop top, black leather shorts, and fishnet tights.

The Legal Repercussions

Following the raid, Russian judges ruled that the clothing of the detained partygoers was inconsistent with what the court deemed to be the “traditional image of a man with a sexual orientation.”

As a result, the detainees received fines.

Only seven out of the eight individuals detained were fined, with the eighth person—a bartender—avoiding the penalty after arguing that his goth style, including eyebrow piercings and turquoise-dyed hair, was the reason for his appearance.

Court decisions have not been fully disclosed, but reports indicate that two individuals were fined 50,000 rubles (around £350).

This event was just one of many incidents where Russian authorities have cracked down on individuals they deem to be violating the country’s anti-LGBT laws.

The Ongoing Anti-LGBT Crackdown in Russia

These actions are part of Russia’s broader campaign to promote “traditional values” and strengthen the laws against what the Kremlin considers to be “non-traditional lifestyles.”

Russia’s controversial anti-gay law, initially passed in 2013, was expanded in 2022 to include banning the promotion of “non-traditional” lifestyles.

In 2024 alone, over 130 cases of alleged LGBT propaganda were brought to court, with fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 rubles.

This crackdown is part of President Vladimir Putin’s wider push to reinforce traditional values in Russia, even offering easier residency permits for foreigners who share these values.

The raid in Tula, along with other incidents targeting the LGBT community, underscores the continued repression of non-conformity in Russia under current laws.

As part of this crackdown, police in Moscow raided several nightclubs in late 2024, citing violations of the same anti-LGBT legislation.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn