**Russian Lawmakers Approve Bill Banning "Childfree Propaganda"**

Russian legislators approved a new bill targeting "childfree propaganda" on Tuesday, reflecting the government's intensified push to enhance birth rates and endorse "traditional values" within families. The bill, passed unanimously by deputies in the lower-house State Duma, aims to curb public dissemination of content, including media and films, that seem to promote a life without children.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, a prominent member of the ruling United Russia party, emphasized the critical importance of the new legislation by stating, "Without children, there will be no country." This move comes amid Russia's struggles with an aging population, declining birth rates, and increased mortality, partly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, posing a severe threat to the nation's economic stability.

The approved legislation stipulates significant penalties for those found guilty of spreading "childfree propaganda." Individuals could face fines up to 400,000 rubles ($4,129), while organizations could be penalized up to 5 million rubles ($51,611). Nevertheless, the bill allows exceptions for information on monasticism and celibacy as acknowledged by Russia's Orthodox Church, and does not intend to penalize personal decisions regarding childbearing.

Opponents of the bill argue that it misses addressing the core issues of the country’s low birth rates. Additionally, some legal experts raise concerns about the vague language of the bill, warning it may lead to potential misuse and could restrict educational efforts on contraception and reproductive health among teenagers.

This "childfree propaganda" bill is now pending approval from the upper house of parliament on November 20, before being presented to President Vladimir Putin to be signed into law. Alongside this legislation, the State Duma also passed a separate bill on Tuesday prohibiting the adoption of Russian children by residents of nations where gender reassignment is legally allowed.

These legislative actions are part of broader restrictions on content that promote LGBTQ+ relationships or gender transition, reflecting a trend towards reinforcing traditional societal norms within Russia.