Upper House approves law banning promotion of “child-free” living

The Upper House of the Russian Parliament validated on Wednesday November 20 the law banning the promotion of a child-free lifestyle, against a backdrop of the demographic crisis in Russia, largely amplified by the conflict in Ukraine. Approved unanimously by senators, the law had already been passed by the Duma, the Lower House, on November 12. This text is part of the ultraconservative turn of Russian power on social issues, taken under the leadership of Vladimir Putin and reinforced since the large-scale assault launched against Ukraine in February 2022.

According to the law, individuals who engage in the promotion of a child-free lifestyle would risk a fine of 400,000 oubles (around 4,000 euros) and civil servants double that. For legal entities, the penalty could be increased to 5 million rubles (47,000 euros).

Law on the adoption of Russian children

Political and religious leaders see in the defense of so-called traditional values ​​an extension of Russia's struggle against the West, accused of moral decadence. The rights of the LGBT+ community in Russia have notably been reduced dramatically. The law also aims to respond to the significant Russian demographic decline which Vladimir Putin has never managed to remedy since he came to power a quarter of a century ago.

Senators also approved on Wednesday the law preventing the adoption of Russian children by nationals of countries that allow gender transition and change of marital status. Since 2013, the country has already banned adoption by foreign homosexual couples or unmarried nationals from countries where same-sex union is legal.

Both laws still need to be signed into law by President Putin, which is usually a formality.