Vladimir Putin’s recent signing of new legislation banning official and medical gender changes in Russia has sparked controversy and concern among the LGBTQ+ community and human rights advocates. The act, which was passed unanimously by both houses of parliament, introduces stringent restrictions on gender-related medical interventions and the recognition of gender changes in official documents and public records.
The legislation explicitly prohibits any medical procedures or interventions aimed at changing a person’s sex, except for those related to treating congenital anomalies. This effectively restricts access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals, denying them the right to pursue medical procedures that align with their gender identity.
Furthermore, the act invalidates marriages in which one person has undergone a gender change, resulting in significant legal consequences for couples affected by the legislation. Additionally, transgender people are now prohibited from becoming foster or adoptive parents, depriving them of the opportunity to create families through adoption.
The enactment of this legislation is seen as a significant setback for LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, further marginalizing and discriminating against transgender individuals in the country. It raises concerns about the violation of human rights, lack of inclusivity, and the disregard for the well-being and dignity of transgender people.
