Transsexuals, transvestites and others thought to have what Russia considers to be “sexual disorders” have been barred from driving in the country for “medical reasons” under new road safety regulations.
The new regulations have been criticised by rights activists, who see them as unconstitutional and likely to exacerbate an already hostile climate for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Russia.
“The new Russian rules banning people from driving because of their gender identity are ridiculous and unlawful,” Nils Muiznieks, human rights commissioner for the Council of Europe, said in a message posted to Facebook on Friday. He urged Russia “to immediately amend the rules to remove this ban.”
The government resolution, dated December 29 and signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, lists numerous medical conditions, including “mental and behavioural disorders” defined by the World Health Organisation, that the government believes disqualify a person for a driving license.
The resolution does not claim WHO endorsement for the new driving restrictions.
“That is certainly not the intent of WHO’s classifications,” said Shekhar Saxena, director of WHO’s mental health department. He said they were meant to lead to more reliable diagnosis, so “for example, when someone is diagnosed with a disease in Germany, they would get the same diagnosis in France.”
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