A proposed Russian law aims to ban any suggestion that being childless is acceptable, extending regulations to all media. This development mirrors prior censorship efforts against LGBT representations, indicating a continued repression of personal freedoms. The law adds to the existing stigmatisation surrounding private choices regarding family and relationships.
In Moscow, a new law seeking to ban “propaganda” for child-free living has gained traction, passing its preliminary vote in the State Duma. This legislation proposes extensive censorship across all forms of media regarding the acceptance of a childless lifestyle. Violators, including individuals and organizations, would face harsh penalties, reflecting a disturbing trend of imposing societal norms on personal choices.
This proposed law follows existing restrictions in Russia, particularly the ban on “gay propaganda,” which has been in effect for over a decade. Under this framework, LGBT representation has faced severe censorship, with bookstores and media outlets pressured to remove supportive content. Such legislation fosters stigma and societal division, targeting individuals for their private choices, and reinforcing a narrow definition of “traditional values” enforced by the government.
Intense government scrutiny into personal choices like childbearing mirrors previous oppressive measures against LGBT rights, highlighting a broader campaign against individual freedoms in Russia. These new regulations threaten to stifle discourse on family and lifestyle choices that diverge from the state’s enforced ideals.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
