18.06 Russian Lawmakers Back Ban on Adoption by Same-Sex Couples
MOSCOW, June 18 (RIA Novosti) Russian lawmakers have unanimously approved amendments banning the adoption of Russian children by foreign couples in same-sex relationships, in a second reading vote on a broader bill.
The ban would also apply to single people living in countries where same-sex marriage is legal.
The draft law and related amendments to Russian family law were passed by Russias lower house of parliament, the State Duma, in a first reading on April 16.
The Duma voted on it in the second reading at about 5 p.m. Moscow time Tuesday, and the third and final reading in the lower house of parliament is slated for June 21.
Frances recent decision to allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children making it the ninth country in Europe to legalize gay marriage thrust the issue into the limelight in Russia.
Although he has urged tolerance in relation to people of traditional and non-traditional [sexual] orientation, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made it clear that gay marriage goes against the governments idea of traditional Russian values.
Last week, the Duma gave its final approval to a bill banning the promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships, in a move widely criticized by gay rights activists and human rights groups around the world.
In order to become law, both the adoptions bill and the non-traditional relationships bill need to be passed by the countrys upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, and signed by the president, which in each case is expected to be a mere formality.
Putin has already given the green light for a ban on the adoption of Russian children by foreign same-sex couples, saying if such legislation is adopted by the countrys parliament, I will sign it.
The changes to legislation under consideration on Tuesday cover broader issues related to family law and children in state care, including an increase in state benefits paid to people adopting children with disabilities, and age restrictions on single people adopting children.
