Russian lawmakers amend ‘child-free propaganda’ ban to exempt religious celibacy

In their campaign to ban the promotion of so-called “child-free” lifestyles, Russian lawmakers have amended draft legislation to add exceptions for monasticism and monastic conduct. The bill’s second reading now allows the dissemination of information about vows of celibacy and choosing not to have children, so long as it’s "based on the internal regulations of religious organizations.” 

The Russian Orthodox Church requested the exceptions after the legislation’s first draft exposed clergy members to potential fines.

The ban on “child-free propaganda” is Russia’s latest legislative assault on supposedly Western social norms amid a national panic about demographic decline.