Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor on Friday began an investigation into the alleged spread of “LGBT propaganda” by the language learning application Duolingo, as reported by state-run news organization TASS.
Specifically, Duolingo is suspected of running afoul of Article 5 of Russia’s law “On the Protection of Children from Information Harmful to Their Health and Development,” which categorizes the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations as detrimental to children’s health and development. Duolingo, an American-based language learning application established in 2011, has come under scrutiny following allegations of promoting “LGBT propaganda.”
Some media outlets reported that the investigation stemmed from objections raised about the app by a Novosibirsk-based organization, Radetel, a group that advocates for “traditional family values.” TASS, however, cited the media watchdog as having denied receipt of the complaint. Radetel cited concerns with specific sentences on the Duolingo app, such as “Ben and Peter love each other. They are gay,” and “Clara met her wife Maria at a lesbian bar.” The group said this has created a dilemma for parents, who they claim struggle to explain the content in a manner that does not harm the psyche of elementary school children. However, the media regulator denied having received such complaints in comments cited by TASS.
This investigation is another example of the hostile environment LGBTQ+ people face in Russia. The LGBTQ+ community in Russia has to contend with significant legal and societal challenges, including restrictions on advocacy, recognition, and marriage rights, which are further exacerbated by governmental measures.
In 2022, the Russian State Duma passed a bill that expanded the existing legislation concerning LGBTQ material. This bill amended the 2013 law, widely known as “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors,” to encompass individuals of all age groups. Part 1 of Article 6.21 of the amended legislation which addresses “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations,” imposes hefty fines on offenders.
In addition, the Russian Supreme Court in December 2023 declared the “international LGBT movement” an extremist organization, effectively banning LGBTQ+ activities within the country. This decision was met with condemnation from numerous human rights organizations, which called for its reversal. Moreover, in 2020, the Russian Constitution was amended to explicitly state that marriage in Russia is legally recognized only between a man and a woman, as outlined in Article 1 of its Family Code. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ordered Russia to legalize same-sex unions. Russia responded that it is at early stage of societal development, rendering them unprepared to implement such measures.
*Correction/editor’s note: The original version of this article referred to Radetel as a “human rights” group. Though the organization self-identifies as a “human rights” group, it appears to lack an understanding of the term’s meaning. Per the United Nations, of which Russia is a member, “human rights are rights that are inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.” Radetel’s definition of human rights appears only to apply to people whose values align with the group’s vision of “public morality, culture, and traditional family values.” Accordingly, we have removed the original designation and added relevant context.
