From: Atlantic Council by Katie Marie Davies
More than a decade since Russian lawmakers banned “LGBTQ+ propaganda,” the Kremlin’s self-declared crusade for “traditional values” has found a new target — Russians who don’t want children.
On Nov. 12, the Russian State Duma voted to outlaw the support and promotion of “childfree propaganda,” effectively imposing fines on those who publicly express such views.
Once approved by the upper house of the country’s parliament and signed into force by Russian President Vladimir Putin, individuals can be fined around $4,000; state officials will see a $8,000 fine, while the fine for businesses can hit up to around $50,000 and get the company’s license revoked for 90 days.
Being vague in its interpretation, the legislation could be used to target advertising or selling of contraceptives and further restrict abortion rights. A last minute exception was made in the law for those who have chosen to remain celebate for religious reasons, such as monks, at the request of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Voice of Ukraine 