On July 14, a draft bill was submitted to the State Duma to "Amend the Family Code of the Russian Federation with the aim of strengthening the family institution". The Board of the Russian LGBT Network considers this draft bill discriminatory, violating the principle of equality of all individuals under the law and going against the spirit of the Constitution. The Board of the Russian LGBT Network is calling upon the Russian civil society and all acting LGBT+ rights organizations and advocacy groups to unite and oppose the changes together.
On 1st June 2020, internet blogger Vladimir Goryanov (known to fans as Volodya XXL) was found guilty of inciting hatred and enmity towards a group identity. The court imposed an administrative fine of 10,000 rubles. The court acknowledged that the phrases “I believe that gays are the scum of society” and “They need to be protected from the outside world”, both used by Goryanov, signify linguistic and psychological intent to degrade and humiliate the dignity of a group of people united on the basis of sexual preference.
52 Russian and International human rights organizations (including the Russian LGBT Network) signed the statement about the fact that Russia jeopardize online freedoms all over the world. The representative of Article 19 delivered the Statement at the session of the UN Human Rights Council in Genève. 
On May 19th, GENDERDOC-M organized the annual march of equality in Chișinău, under the campaign Fără Frică de Iubire(Without the fear to love). However, unlike the last years’ experience, the march that included approximately 350 participants was able to reach its destination without being attacked and evacuated halfway through the route. The Ministry of Interior provided all necessary protections for the participants and despite the aggressive outbursts of the counter-protestors, the Pride march was not exposed to any violence.
A year has passed since the publication of first testimonies of LGBT people that faced persecution in Chechnya based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. However the unlawful detentions, humiliation and torture of LGBT people in Northern Caucasus persist. There are some things one can do to support the victims of the state-organized persecutions of LGBT in Chechnya.
