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Federation Council approves law restricting adoption of Russian children

The law also specifies that individuals who are not citizens but hold permanent residence permits in such countries are similarly restricted from the aforementioned actions

MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. Russia's Federation Council, or the upper house of parliament, has unanimously approved a law barring the adoption and foster care placement of Russian children by citizens of countries that permit gender reassignment surgeries.

The legislation revises Russia's Family Code, stating that citizens of countries allowing "sex reassignment through medical intervention, including the use of medications for altering primary and/or secondary sexual characteristics, or permitting changes to gender markers on identity documents without medical intervention," are forbidden from adopting or becoming guardians of Russian children.

The law also specifies that individuals who are not citizens but hold permanent residence permits in such countries are similarly restricted from the aforementioned actions.

Natalya Kuvshinova, a member of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building, stressed that the law aligns with a core principle of the Russian Constitution, which prioritizes children in the nation’s policies. "It represents important legislative progress in safeguarding the right of Russian children to be raised in traditional families," she said. The law will come into force the day it is officially published.

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