Russia bans adoption of its children from countries that allow gender transition

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning adoption of Russian children by citizens of countries where gender transition is legal, targeting at least 15 nations.

Additional legislation prohibits promoting child-free lifestyles, with fines up to $50,000, framing such views as part of Western efforts to weaken Russia.

These measures align with Putin’s push for “traditional values” amid population decline, including past bans on LGBTQ+ information and gender-transition procedures.

Critics view these moves as part of a broader crackdown on liberal ideologies and dissent, intensified since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.