Russian State Duma Passes Dumb Bill to Outlaw "Child-Free" Propaganda

Okay, what? (Credit: Sputnik/Vladimir Fedorenko)

The Russian State Duma has taken another step towards policing the intimate choices of its citizens. On Thursday, the Duma passed the first reading of a bill that would criminalize the so-called "child-free ideology", the latest addition to a growing list of state-imposed restrictions under the guise of "protecting traditional values". This grotesque intrusion into private life is presented as part of Russia's ongoing war on progressive thought, with Vyacheslav Volodin, the Duma speaker, proudly trumpeting the state’s desire to curb any voices that dare challenge its archaic worldview.

Volodin boasted about the near-unanimous support for the bill, with 388 legislators backing the measure. The draft law seeks to lump "child-free" ideology alongside "pedophilia, LGBT, and gender reassignment propaganda"—as if choosing not to have children is somehow equivalent to crimes or marginalized identities. The state's rationale? "To protect children, families, and traditional values." This hollow justification rings particularly absurd when considering that the bill specifically targets people who choose not to conform to the state's glorified version of womanhood and motherhood.

Yet, this is Russia today (no not the network): a country that increasingly conflates personal autonomy with subversive ideology. The Kremlin's reach now extends to people's bedrooms, minds, and life choices, as Moscow works tirelessly to suppress the faintest whisper of modern thinking.

As with most authoritarian regimes, non-compliance comes at a price. Under the new law, individuals who dare to propagate "child-free" ideas could face fines of up to 400,000 rubles (around $4,100), with heavier penalties for officials and entities—up to five million rubles ($51,000). This financial stranglehold is intended to silence dissent and ensure that anyone considering alternative lifestyles shuts up and falls in line. 

Elvira Aitkulova, a proponent of the bill, absurdly suggested it grants "freedom of choice" by protecting families from media pressure. In reality, it strips women of the right to explore alternative lifestyles without fear of state reprisal. Yury Boyarsky of the United Russia Party called child-free ideology incompatible with the nation's policy on motherhood. This framing shows the Kremlin's intent to control women's bodies and ensure that every aspect of life aligns with its demographic goals. 

Perhaps the most grotesque aspect of this bill is the broader attack on modern feminism. Valentina Matvienko, speaker of the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Russian parliament, took the opportunity to rail against feminism, claiming it has devolved into a "struggle against men" and a "struggle against traditional values". What Matvienko really means is that feminism dares to challenge the power structures that keep women in subjugation.

Russia's ruling elite is clearly terrified of the empowerment of women. By painting modern feminism as a threat to society, they conveniently justify the imposition of authoritarian controls. The Duma's message is clear: women must submit to the roles assigned to them by the state—or face the consequences.