Russia Bans Elton John AIDS Foundation

Russia has banned the Elton John AIDS Foundation, declaring the organisation “undesirable” due to its support for LGBTQ+ rights. The move effectively outlaws its life-saving work within the country.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation announced the decision on Thursday in a statement on the VK Russian social media platform.

The office acknowledged that the foundation’s activities include “the prevention and fight against AIDS among the most vulnerable groups (LGBT adherents, drug addicts), as well as to overcome discrimination and neglect towards HIV-infected people and people with non-traditional views.”

However, it argued that the foundation is primarily “focused on the promotion of non-traditional sexual relations, Western family models, and gender reassignment.”

The office further accused the organisation of holding a “negative” stance towards “countries that protect traditional spiritual and moral values.”

It also claimed that, since the launch of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—referred to by Russian authorities as a “special military operation”—the Elton John AIDS Foundation has taken part “in the West’s information campaign to denigrate Russia.”

A Leading Global HIV Funder

Founded by the iconic Sir Elton John in 1992 in the United States and in 1993 in the United Kingdom, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is among the top 10 philanthropic funders of HIV/AIDS programmes worldwide.

In response to the ban, the foundation issued a statement warning that the decision will have a significant impact on its efforts in Russia and “will undoubtedly endanger lives and disrupt critical HIV prevention efforts.”

“For more than two decades, we have worked in collaboration with federal and non-governmental partners in Russia to provide hundreds of thousands of people with vital HIV services, including testing, treatment, and care,” the statement read.

The foundation highlighted the scale of the HIV crisis in Russia, noting that over 1.2 million people are currently living with HIV in the country, and more than 430,000 are not receiving treatment.

Part of a Broader LGBTQ+ Crackdown

The ban is part of a broader pattern of escalating repression of LGBTQ+ communities in Russia. In November 2023, the Russian Supreme Court officially designated the “international LGBT movement” as an “extremist organisation.”

Under this ruling, participating in such an organisation can carry penalties of up to 12 years in prison. Displaying symbols associated with these groups may lead to up to 15 days in detention for a first offence, and up to four years in prison for a repeat offence.

In late 2024, Russian authorities intensified their crackdown, conducting raids on LGBTQ-friendly venues. Security forces targeted gay bars and clubs in Moscow, arresting patrons and staff members.