Moscow – On Thursday, Russia’s lower legislative chamber expedited an initial endorsement of a proposal to ban “propaganda” that dissuades childbirth. This move marks another step in a series of stringent regulations as the Kremlin exerts greater control over societal norms amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The proposed law, which must undergo two additional readings in the State Duma and receive approval from the upper chamber before being sent to President Vladimir Putin for final consent, aims to criminalize disseminating information that promotes voluntary childlessness. Offenders could face penalties of up to 5 million rubles (approximately $50,000).
Proponents of the bill argue that messages discouraging parenthood are part of alleged Western initiatives aimed at destabilizing Russia by inducing a decline in its population. “It’s an element of professional propaganda, part of a hybrid war aimed at population reduction,” claimed Elvira Aitkulova, one of the bill’s authors.
Aitkulova emphasized that the legislation seeks to “purify the information landscape from harmful content” and to “cultivate a supportive information environment for our families.” Describing the proposal as strategically vital, she expressed its goal to secure a strong, productive, and healthy future for the nation.
State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin framed the proposal as part of a broader initiative to safeguard “traditional values.” He dismissed concerns from critics who argue that the bill might infringe on freedom of expression, asserting that “we are defending children, families, and our values.”
In recent years, Putin and his senior officials have increasingly advocated for so-called “traditional values.” Amid a declining population, Putin has previously called for larger families and suggested that women should consider having as many as eight children.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian leader has consistently depicted the West as “satanic” and accused it of attempting to weaken Russia through the promotion of liberal ideologies.
In 2022, Putin enacted a law that forbids the distribution of LGBTQ-related information to individuals of all ages, extending a previous ban from 2013 that applied only to minors. Furthermore, last year, the Russian Supreme Court designated the “international LGBTQ movement” as extremist. Since then, several individuals have been jailed briefly or fined for displaying any rainbow-themed symbolism.
Moreover, just last month, Russian legislators advanced a bill that prohibits citizens in countries where gender transitioning is legal from adopting Russian children.