Russia Proposes Ban on 'Child-Free' Propaganda Amid Demographic Crisis
New legislation aims to counter declining birth rates by penalizing promotion of childless lifestyles with heavy fines.
- Russian lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the promotion of 'child-free' lifestyles, citing a need to preserve traditional values.
- The proposed law includes fines up to 5 million roubles for companies and up to 400,000 roubles for individuals found guilty of 'child-free' propaganda.
- Russia is experiencing its lowest birth rate in 25 years, exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine and rising mortality rates.
- Critics argue the legislation is an overreach into personal lives and compare it to previous laws targeting the LGBTQ community.
- Supporters claim the 'child-free' movement undermines family values and contributes to Russia's demographic decline.