Camilla Jessen
Authorities say content that questions parenthood could soon be removed entirely.
Russia is preparing to ban or censor popular global entertainment titles such as Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Sex and the City for allegedly promoting what the government defines as “childfree ideology.”
According to Parliamentary Newspaper, the ban is based on a new directive from Roskomnadzor, the Russian media regulator, set to take effect on September 1.
The law targets media that “encourages,” “justifies,” or even “informs” about choosing not to have children — including works that portray pregnancy, motherhood, or fatherhood negatively, or present childlessness in a positive light.
The measure follows the formal ban on childfree propaganda, introduced in November 2024, which allows for fines up to 5 million rubles (approx. $55,000 USD) for companies distributing such content.
Global Franchises in the Crosshairs
Authorities have already named several high-profile Western titles that could be restricted:
- In Game of Thrones, the character Brienne of Tarth is cited for “rejecting motherhood” to pursue a traditionally male role as a knight.
- In Sex and the City, Samantha Jones is noted for her clear discomfort with children and her independent lifestyle.
- Even Harry Potter raises suspicions, with the childless Professor McGonagall listed as a potential symbol of childfree ideology — despite the lack of any confirmed backstory on her reproductive choices.
First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy Alexander Yushchenko said that “specialists” will be appointed to interpret works according to the new legal standards.
“Any content containing prohibited information will be blocked or removed, no matter when it was created,” he emphasized.
Distribution Certificates to Be Denied
In tandem with the media ban, Russia’s Ministry of Culture will stop issuing distribution certificates for films that include content considered to promote childfree values, limiting future imports and releases.
The changes are aligned with Presidential Decree No. 809, which outlines a list of what Russia calls “traditional spiritual and moral values.”
Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on Family Issues Tatyana Butskaya stated that the law will gradually remove “what we don’t need” from the cultural space.
What the Law Defines as “Childfree Propaganda”
According to the November 2024 law, “childfree propaganda” includes:
- Encouraging or promoting the decision not to have children
- Highlighting the advantages of childlessness
- Equating childless lifestyles with parenthood as socially equal
Penalties under the law include:
- Up to 400,000 rubles for individuals
- Up to 800,000 rubles for officials
- Up to 5 million rubles for organizations
Critics argue that the broad and vague definitions allow for selective enforcement and may stifle creative expression, but officials defend the move as essential to protect traditional family values.