The Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, almost unanimously approved a law on Wednesday that prohibits the promotion of a childless lifestyle on the Internet, in the media, in films and in advertisements. 162 deputies voted for the legislation, which was already approved by the lower house of parliament, one was against and no one abstained. TASR informs about it based on the reports of AFP and TASS agencies.
The Federation Council also unanimously on Wednesday approved a law prohibiting the adoption and placement of Russian children in foster care by citizens of countries where gender reassignment surgery is allowed. Similar restrictions will also apply to persons who are not citizens of such countries but have a permanent residence permit there.
Individuals are responsible for promotions voluntary childlessness to receive a fine of up to 400,000 rubles (around 3770 euros). Legal entities face a fine of up to five million rubles (more than 47,000 euros) and they can be suspended for up to 90 days. A maximum fine of five million rubles will be imposed on organizations that promote a child-free lifestyle among minors through the Internet or media.
In addition to possible deportation from Russia, foreigners face either 15-day detention or a fine of up to 100,000 rubles. The law will enter into force ten days after its official publication in the gazette. President Vladimir Putin has yet to sign it.
The proponents of the law believe that the law will help reverse the declining birth rate in Russia, which have been plagued by demographic problems since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Official data published in September show that the birth rate is the lowest for the past quarter of a century, while the death rate is rising and Russia is at war with Ukraine. The Kremlin called these figures “catastrophic for the future of the country”. In Russia, from 2022, the so-called “LGBT propaganda” among adults. In 2023, a ban on various forms of gender reassignment was added.
