Putin bans ‘childfree propaganda’ and adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries that recognize gender transition

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law amendments banning the “propaganda” of choosing not to have children and barring citizens of countries where gender transitions are legally recognized from adopting Russian children.

The new law imposes fines for “propaganda against childbearing” of up to 400,000 rubles (approximately $3,800) for individuals, 800,000 rubles ($7,700) for officials, and five million rubles ($48,300) for organizations. However, it exempts the promotion of monasticism from the ban on advocating a “childfree” lifestyle.

Another provision prohibits content that “advocates against childbearing” from appearing in films, advertising, media, and online platforms.

A separate law amends the Family Code, barring individuals from adopting Russian children if they reside in countries where gender transitions are legally recognized. Lawmakers noted that this measure effectively bans adoptions by citizens of NATO countries, as most have laws permitting gender transitions.