Moscow Court Upholds Fine for Queen Photo Deemed LGBT Propaganda

Russian Court Rules Queen Music Video Image as “LGBT Propaganda”

A Moscow City Court has upheld a controversial ruling against a young Moscow resident who posted an image from a classic Queen music video on social media, dismissing appeals that the content was merely artistic expression rather than prohibited “LGBT propaganda.”

The court rejected 21-year-old David Gevondyan’s appeal against fines imposed by the Nagatinsky District Court of Moscow in March. Gevondyan was originally penalized for four counts of extremism and LGBT propaganda for posting images on the social network “VKontakte,” including one that depicted “men dressed in women’s clothing and accessories.”

In his appeal, Gevondyan argued that the images were screenshots from Queen’s iconic 1984 music video for “I Want to Break Free,” in which the legendary British rock band members appeared in drag. The video has been recognized worldwide as a cultural touchstone and a playful parody of a British soap opera.

However, the Moscow City Court dismissed this explanation, stating: “The posting on the site of a photograph of the members of the band Queen, dressed in women’s clothing, has no musical grounds to stand on, given the overall content of the information being circulated.”

The ruling highlights Russia’s increasingly strict enforcement of its “LGBT propaganda” laws, which have been progressively expanded in recent years. Initially introduced to “protect minors” from content promoting non-traditional sexual relationships, the legislation has been broadened to prohibit the distribution of information that could “promote non-traditional sexual relations” to Russians of any age.

Legal experts note that the vague wording of these laws creates significant latitude for authorities to determine what constitutes prohibited content, potentially encompassing a wide range of cultural and artistic expressions that have been accepted internationally for decades.

The case has raised concerns among free speech advocates and cultural historians, who point out that the “I Want to Break Free” video represents a particular moment in British entertainment history. The video deliberately parodied the long-running soap opera “Coronation Street” and incorporated elements of British comedy traditions, where cross-dressing was a common comedic device employed by groups like Monty Python and performers such as Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

Music historians also note that the video references British artist Richard Hamilton’s collage “What Makes Today’s Homes So Different, So Appealing?” from 1956, considered a foundational work in the Pop Art movement.

Queen’s video was directed by filmmaker David Mallet and featured each band member in drag, with Freddie Mercury vacuuming in a black skirt and pink top, Roger Taylor as a schoolgirl, John Deacon as a conservative housewife, and Brian May as a grandmother. Despite initial controversy, particularly in America, the video has become celebrated as a classic example of the band’s artistic creativity and willingness to challenge conventions.

The Russian court’s ruling exemplifies the growing tension between global cultural artifacts and increasingly restrictive domestic regulations. Critics argue that such interpretations risk criminalizing content that has been considered mainstream entertainment in most parts of the world for decades.

The case also illustrates the challenges facing social media users in Russia, who must navigate increasingly complex restrictions on expression while participating in international online communities where such content is freely shared.

Gevondyan’s case is one of a growing number of prosecutions under Russia’s expanded propaganda laws, which human rights organizations have criticized for creating a chilling effect on free expression and artistic freedom in the country.