The story's source is ONE single journalist, working for a so-called 'independent
 Russian newspaper' with foreign owners. Nevertheless, it might be true, but it is not an isolated situation by far.
The focus on Chechnya, which is part of Russia is very suspect, exploited by the anti-Russian propaganda campaign. Similar abuse, or mistreatment (of not just gays, but religious and racial minorities) is taking place worldwide in a lot more countries, than not.