In the summer of 2025, the “From Sunset to Sunrise” party took place at the medieval settlement of “Kaup” in the Kaliningrad Region—with an 18+ age restriction, music, and a themed photo booth featuring BDSM props. The event was organized by the venue’s tenant, and “Kaup” itself posted a photo report on social media. That turned out to be enough.
The prosecutor’s office has initiated two administrative cases under Article 6.21 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation—regarding “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships.” The article was introduced in November 2024 and has since expanded far beyond the original declarations regarding “the protection of children.”
“The psychosexual subculture of BDSM contradicts traditional values and fosters non-traditional sexual attitudes”—the Russian Orthodox Church, Muslims, Baptists, and Buddhists in response to a request from the Ministry of Internal Affairs
Sex Experts — With a Censer
To determine whether BDSM is “non-traditional,” the court turned not to sexologists, psychologists, or legal experts, but to religious organizations: the Russian Orthodox Church and local Muslim, Baptist, and Buddhist communities. All four responded as expected. Based on these responses, the court handed down its ruling.
The defense insisted that BDSM is a practice, not a sexual orientation; that propaganda requires intent to incite action, which was absent; and that the party was organized by a sole proprietor, not the nonprofit organization itself. The court rejected all of these arguments.
The Kaliningrad Regional Court, which heard the appeal, agreed with the findings of the lower court. The total fine amounted to 1.8 million rubles—for the event itself and for publishing a photo report. “Kaup” plans to appeal the decision to the court of cassation.
A precedent that cannot be ignored
Lawyers have already called this case a landmark: for the first time in Russia, BDSM as a practice has been classified as “non-traditional sexual relations” in a court ruling. Previously, pressure on BDSM parties had been based on other charges—for example, “offending the feelings of believers.”
It’s important to understand this: the law now allows for fines to be imposed for any public information about sexual practices if they are deemed “non-traditional.” A photo op. A hashtag. A repost. For Doberman.media readers, none of this is an abstract threat.
Are you in violation of Article 6.21 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation?
7 Real-Life Scenarios — Assess Your Legal Risk. This test does not constitute legal advice.
Situation 1 of 7
📱You post photos from Pride on VKontakte or other social media—you and your friends holding rainbow flags.
⚖️ Article 6.21 prohibits the public display of LGBTQ+ symbols without restricting the audience. A public post = a public display.
Situation 2 of 7
🎉You're organizing a BDSM-themed party—invitation-only, strictly 18+. Afterward, you post a photo recap on social media.
⚖️ That’s exactly what happened to “Kaup”: the event itself + a public photo report = two separate administrative cases totaling 1.8 million rubles.
Situation 3 of 7
📢On your Telegram channel, you repost news stories about LGBTQ+ rights from foreign media outlets—without adding any comments of your own.
⚖️ Reposting content about LGBTQ+ rights may be considered the dissemination of “propaganda”—regardless of whether you include a comment.
Situation 4 of 7
🌈You are wearing clothing or an accessory with rainbow symbols—a pin, a T-shirt, or a shopping bag—in a public place.
⚖️ Courts have ruled that rainbow symbols constitute “propaganda” in administrative cases. Public display = public demonstration as defined in Article 6.21.
Situation 5 of 7
👨🏫You teach, and during class you mention in a neutral way that same-sex relationships exist. There may be students under the age of 18 in the classroom.
⚖️ Article 6.21 does not require malicious intent. Even a neutral reference to LGBTQ+ individuals in the presence of minors can be grounds for legal action.
Situation 6 of 7
🍸You work as a bartender or DJ at a venue that regularly hosts queer parties. You’re not an organizer—you’re just an employee.
⚖️ The law targets the organizers. Rank-and-file employees are technically not at risk—but during a raid, the police detain everyone present.
Situation 7 of 7
❤️You and your same-sex partner are holding hands or kissing in a public place—such as a café, a park, or a shopping mall.
⚖️ There is no direct ban on public displays of affection—but law enforcement officials may interpret this as a “display of non-traditional relationships.”
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