The Russian State Duma has passed a bill prohibiting any form of "propaganda" that encourages individuals to live without children, a decision aimed at counteracting demographic decline and reinforcing traditional family values.
Russia Moves to Ban Promotion of Child-Free Lifestyles Amidst Declining Birth Rates
Russia Moves to Ban Promotion of Child-Free Lifestyles Amidst Declining Birth Rates
In a bold legislative move, Russia's Parliament has voted to outlaw the advocacy of child-free living as part of its strategy to enhance the country’s falling birthrate.
In a significant political shift, Russian lawmakers passed a bill on Tuesday that prohibits the promotion of child-free lifestyles, seeking to address the nation's declining birthrate. The State Duma's unanimous decision reflects the Kremlin's broader objective to position Russia as a stronghold of traditional values amidst what it perceives as a decaying Western society.
The newly approved legislation targets any form of "propaganda" advocating for the "refusal to have children," extending to various mediums such as the internet, television, movies, and advertisements that may glamorize a child-free existence. Offenders could face steep fines, with individuals potentially liable for up to $4,000 and businesses for $50,000.
This legislative measure has garnered strong support from the Kremlin and is anticipated to find favor in the Federation Council, the upper house of Parliament, before being signed into law by President Vladimir V. Putin. In comments made in September, Dmitri S. Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, emphasized the critical nature of demographic issues for Russia, stating, "Everything that needs to be done to increase birthrates must be done. And everything that obstructs that must disappear from our lives." This indicates a committed government stance to bolster family growth in the face of persistent population challenges.
