Russia considering law to fine people who choose not to have children

Don’t even think about not having children.If you’re Russian.Russia’s parliament is considering legislation to outlaw “a conscious refusal to have children.”The State Duma lower house bill proposes fines of 400,000 roubles [$4,354 USD] for anyone engaging in “child-free propaganda,” rising to $8,639 USD if the person discussing the concept is an official or $53,906 USD for a company.And only those with approved religious beliefs (Russia’s Orthodox Church has monks and nuns), serious health issues or who have been raped will be permitted to “refuse to bear a child.”But individuals even casually defending a personal choice not to have children on social media will fall foul of the new laws.Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin insists the proposed legislation is more about “traditional family values” than Russia’s falling birthrate and mass deaths among its young troops fighting in the invasion of Ukraine.“Groups and communities on social networks often show disrespect for motherhood and fatherhood, and aggression towards pregnant women and children, as well as members of large families,” said Volodin.“A friendly and large family is the basis of a strong state.” Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.The legislation targets social media posts, the internet, traditional media, films, books and advertising.President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said he supported the move, stating Russia’s “catastrophic” birthrate is a pressing issue.“Increasing the birthrate is one of the top priorities for the entire government and the entire country,” he said.Earlier this month, President Putin instructed his government to promote conditions that made “having many children become fashionable a...