Russian lawmakers pass law banning 'propaganda' of childless lifestyles

Moscow: Russian MPs on Tuesday passed in the final third reading the controversial legislation banning propaganda of choosing not to have children,...

Moscow: Russian MPs on Tuesday passed in the final third reading the controversial legislation banning "propaganda" of choosing not to have children, the latest measure targeting what Moscow depicts as Western liberal ideas.

Facing an ageing population and low birth rates, Moscow is seeking to reverse a demographic slump -- accentuated by its military offensive on Ukraine -- that threatens its economic future.

MPs in the Duma lower house of parliament voted unanimously in favour of the draft bill, which would apply to materials online, in media, advertising and in films that promote "rejection of childbearing".

The bill targets "destructive content" that promotes a "conscious" rejection of having children.

The bill's authors have said it will not be used as punishment for "a personal choice or lifestyle" but only for promoting such a lifestyle, although it is unclear how this would be differentiated in practice.