Russian lawmakers introduce bill to ban information about 'childfree' lifestyle among minors

Russian State Duma deputies have introduced a bill that would ban media that “promotes the voluntary refusal to have children” among minors.

The draft legislation's explanatory note claims that "the foreign ‘childfree’ ideology has become widespread among Russia’s youth.” But voluntarily refusing to have children, it goes on to say, “goes against traditional family values and the state policy of the Russian Federation.” If the trend continues spreading unchecked, the authors conclude, it could lead to Russia’s “depopulation.”

The bill was drafted by the State Assembly of Russia’s Republic of Bashkortostan as well as by United Russia deputies Elvira Aitkulova and Rimma Utyasheva. Like the “gay propaganda” law, this bill would add an amendment to Russia’s main “child protection” law.