A Russian court has ruled to block the website of the fast-fashion retailer Shein over LGBTQ+ bracelets that it sells, the independent news website Vyorstkareported Thursday, citing the ruling.The plaintiff, the Tula region branch of Russias consumer protection watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, came across the illegal bracelets while monitoring websites that sell LGBTQ+ products, according to a courtstatement.After entering LGBT BRACELET in the search bar, were taken to the [ru.shein.com] page where the selection of products containing LGBT paraphernalia is presented, the court said.It detailed the process of placing an order, concluding that the structure of the website allows you to make an order of the bracelets.The Central District Court in the city of Tulasaid it considers the information on Sheins website relating to LGBTQ+ products prohibited for distribution within Russian territory.Vyorstka noted that the website has not yet been blocked inside Russia as of mid-Thursday.Shein was founded in Nanjing, China, but moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2022.Russias Supreme Court banned the so-called international LGBT movement as extremist in 2023, effectively criminalizing any form of LGBTQ+ displays or rights advocacy in the country.Several Russians have since faced charges for wearing rainbow-colored accessories and posting LGBTQ+ flags on social media.Russia has for years been criticized over its LGBTQ+ rights record, including a 2013 law banning gay propaganda among minors, as well as a ban on the adoption of children by same-sex couples in foreign countries.Russian courts heard more than 130 gay propaganda cases in 2024, according to Vyorstka.
More than 70 people and 20 legal entities were found guilty of the charges.