Russian Parliament Advances Adoption Ban for Countries Allowing Gender Transition

The bill, which has passed its first reading, aims to protect 'traditional values' and requires further approvals before becoming law.

The lower house of Russia’s parliament overwhelmingly approved the first reading of a law banning adoption by citizens of countries where gender transitioning is legal.
The bill needs to pass two more readings in the Duma and be approved by the upper house before it can be signed into law by President Vladimir Putin.
Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated the bill is intended to protect children and uphold traditional values, impacting citizens of dozens of countries.
This measure is part of a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, including a 2022 law banning the distribution of LGBTQ+ information to all ages.
The foreign adoption of Russian children has significantly decreased, with only six children adopted by foreign citizens in 2023, amid ongoing tensions with Western nations.