People whose gender identity does not match their biological body characteristics are now no longer allowed to undergo surgery in Russia. Hormones are also prohibited.
After criticism of Western self-determination policies, the Russian parliament passed a law banning gender reassignments. The State Duma unanimously adopted the law on Friday in the third and final reading. According to this, people in Russia who have a different gender identity are no longer allowed to undergo surgical procedures or have hormones prescribed.
But people who have already had their gender changed are also affected by the new law, as are those around them. According to the law, marriages in which one partner has changed their gender in the past should be dissolved. They should also no longer be allowed to adopt children. The new law will come into effect with Putin’s signature.
Human rights activists see social regression in Russia
The law’s initiators said they wanted to protect cultural traditions and family values in the fight against “Western ideologies.” Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin is considered to be an advocate of rigid role models for men and women. For example, he had it anchored in the constitution that a marriage could only consist of a woman and a man. Putin himself keeps insisting on tradition, although he is divorced himself.
Human rights activists had previously criticized the law that has now been adopted by the Duma as a new step backwards in society in Russia. Those affected now fear even more exclusion, an increase in hatred and violent attacks against them.
For years now, the Kremlin has been taking legal action against positive depictions of same-sex lifestyles, even though homosexuality itself is not prohibited. Putin and the Russian Orthodox Church have repeatedly denounced liberal politics in the West.
