Russia to Ban Adoption of Russian Children by Foreigners from Countries Allowing Gender Reassignment Surgery

Russia is moving forward with legislation that will prohibit the adoption of Russian children by foreigners from countries where gender reassignment surgery is permitted. This latest move reflects the government's continued push to uphold what it describes as traditional family values.

The proposed ban aims to prevent foreign nationals from adopting Russian children if they come from nations that allow legal gender changes, a decision the Russian government says is necessary to protect the "moral upbringing" of its citizens. Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that children must be raised in environments that align with Russia’s conservative cultural and social norms.

Critics have voiced concerns over the implications of the ban, calling it discriminatory and a violation of children's rights to be placed in safe, loving homes. The proposed law comes amid broader crackdowns on LGBTQ+ rights in Russia and aligns with other recent measures targeting gender identity and sexual orientation.

If passed, the law would further limit international adoptions, adding to a previous ban imposed in 2013 that restricted adoption by U.

S. citizens.