Russian Parliament Moves to Ban Adoption to Countries with Gender-Affirming Care

moscow - The lower house of the Russian parliament has approved a bill to ban Russian children from being adopted by parents in countries where gender-affirming care is provided.

The Russian lower house of parliament has given initial approval to a bill that would prevent Russian children from being adopted by parents in countries that allow gender-affirming medical procedures. The bill reflects Russia's stance against the West. Foreign adoption of Russian children has been rare, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

If the bill becomes law, citizens of countries that permit gender-affirming medical procedures, including hormone therapy, would not be able to adopt Russian children. However, the bill aims to go beyond this specific issue. Russia seeks to position itself as a protector of conservative values, which it believes are being eroded in the West.

Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin of the State Duma expressed satisfaction in preventing children from being placed in countries where same-sex marriage and gender transition are allowed, in order to protect the children. An article on the Duma's website states that the law is intended to prevent children from being sent to "NATO countries." An earlier version of the 2022 bill focused on adoption by parents from "undesirable countries", referring to nations that have imposed sanctions on Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine.

The bill has passed the first reading and will undergo two more readings, followed by approval from the Russian upper house and finally from President Vladimir Putin. In recent years, Russia has enacted policies that restrict the rights and freedoms of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.