Russian lawmakers adopted a law on Tuesday banning the promotion of a childless lifestyle, against the backdrop of the demographic crisis in Russia, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine and the Kremlin’s defense of „traditional values.” The fines for those who violate „traditional” values are substantial.
This text, adopted unanimously and set to be approved by the Federation Council (the upper house of the Russian parliament) on November 20, falls within the ultraconservative rhetoric of the Russian government on societal issues, AFP reports.
According to the new law, individuals promoting a childless lifestyle risk a fine of 400,000 rubles (around 4,000 euros), while public officials risk double that amount. For legal entities, the penalty could reach five million rubles (47,000 euros).
Political and religious leaders see "traditional values" as an extension of Russia's fight against Westerners, who are criticized for moral "decadence."
Additionally, the law aims to address the significant demographic decline in Russia, which Vladimir Putin has not been able to effectively combat since coming to power 25 years ago.
"A strong family has been proclaimed as a traditional value" in Russia in 2022, the legislative text authors highlight in an explanatory note. "One of the threats to traditional values is the promotion in Russian society of the 'childless' ideology, which aims to degrade social institutions and has created circumstances for depopulation," Russian lawmakers argue.
According to Rostat, from January to September 2024, 920,200 children were born in Russia, a decrease of 3.4% compared to the same period last year. According to the Russian press, this is the most negative balance since the '90s.