Russian Law Banning Childfree "Propaganda" Passes First Stage in Parliament

 

Russia’s lower house of parliament has given unanimous support to a controversial bill aimed at banning the promotion of a childfree lifestyle, in an effort to boost the country’s declining birthrate. The proposed legislation introduces fines for individuals and businesses found guilty of advocating against having children, as Russia grapples with its lowest birthrate in 25 years, worsened by an aging population and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

If passed, individuals could face fines of up to 400,000 rubles (approximately £3,000), while companies or organizations may be fined up to 5 million rubles. Additionally, foreign nationals involved in promoting childlessness could face deportation. Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Duma and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, described the bill as crucial for protecting Russia’s younger generation from what he referred to as the “ideology of childlessness” spread through online platforms, media, films, and advertisements.

Volodin emphasized that this legislation is part of a broader legal framework aimed at safeguarding children, families, and Russia's traditional values. Proponents of the bill argue that discouraging people from having children is part of a larger campaign by the West to weaken Russia by encouraging a population decline.

Elvira Aitkulova, one of the bill’s co-authors, framed the legislation as a strategic measure for national security. “This is a hybrid war tactic aimed at population reduction,” she said, adding that the bill is essential for ensuring Russia’s future remains strong, productive, and healthy.

This move comes as Putin and other top officials work to position Russia as a defender of traditional values in contrast to Western liberal ideas. Last year, Putin urged Russian women to have up to eight children to help secure the country's demographic future. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has also described Russia’s low birthrate as "catastrophic," ranking the issue as a top priority for the government.

However, the proposed legislation has raised concerns among rights advocates, who warn it could erode women’s rights. Olga Suvorova, a women’s rights activist in Siberia, expressed concern that the law essentially pressures women into becoming child-bearers, without considering their personal circumstances or career aspirations.

Despite these concerns, Volodin insisted that the law does not criminalize women who choose not to have children. “The decision to have children is personal,” he said, adding that women are free to seek advice on the matter but should not be influenced by external propaganda.

The bill still requires two more readings in the Duma before it can proceed to the upper house and then to President Putin for final approval. This legislation is part of a wider effort by Russia to enforce its "traditional values," following laws passed in 2022 that criminalized the promotion of same-sex relationships.