The Central District Court of Tula banned the site of the international online clothing store Shein in Russia due to the sale of goods with LGBT symbols*, discovered by 'Verstka'** in the court's database.
Rospotrebnadzor filed a lawsuit after conducting 'internet resource monitoring' and found goods 'with LGBT symbols' for sale.
As stated in the ruling, Rospotrebnadzor employees added the goods to the 'Cart' and confirmed that the site allows placing an order. Moreover, it can be done 'including by a minor child'.
As a result, the court agreed with the agency's arguments and ruled to recognize the information published on the Shein site as prohibited. The court noted that this decision could be grounds for adding the online store's site to Roskomnadzor's registry.
According to 'Verstka', more than 130 cases 'on LGBT propaganda' were sent to courts last year. Reasons for prosecution included hair color, clothing, photos, and likes on social networks.
According to statistics from the Judicial Department at the Supreme Court, the amount of fines imposed by Russian courts under administrative articles on the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, gender change, and refusal to have children reached almost 30 million rubles. In the first half of 2024 alone, fines totaling 13.7 million rubles were imposed, received by 87 citizens and organizations.
* The international LGBT movement is recognized as an 'extremist' organization in Russia.
** Recognized as a 'foreign agent' in Russia.