Vladimir Putin has banned same-sex marriages and transgender adoptions. This move by the Russian president is a crushing blow to those who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Although Putin made these changes recently, these issues were addressed in a national referendum back in July 2020. At the time, 77% of people voted in favor of banning same-sex marriages and adoptions by transgender people.

So, from now on, same-sex couples will not have an opportunity to marry in Russia legally. As things are now, the country will only recognize a marriage between a man and a woman.

Similarly, from now on, transgender people cannot adopt kids.

These changes have been made considering that the nation has chosen to stand by "a belief in God." In Russia, many LBGT+ people have no option but to hide who they really are for the sake of their own safety.

Russia decriminalized homosexuality back in 1917. However, in the year 1933, homosexuality was criminalized before it was legalized again in 1993.

Nevertheless, homophobia has remained a big concern within the country.

Pyotr Tolstoy, a popular Russian politician, was in support of these constitutional changes. He claimed that the country was a "stronghold of traditionalism."

Tolstoy argued that Russia was not about to "repeat the mistakes that exist in the West."

As far as he is concerned, the mistakes are fundamental when particular groups of people such as the LGBT+ are given additional and special rights that a majority of people don't get.

Another notable constitutional change Putin has made recently touches on presidential term limits. Due to this change, he can continue to serve Russians as their president for another 12 years (two six-year terms) after his current term comes to an end in 2024.

This is clearly very tough news for the LBGT+ community in Russia, whose struggles have been endless due to the stigma they face within the country.