A draft bill in Russia proposes designating feminism as an extremist ideology. The disclosure came through public channels tied to a deputy who chairs a committee focused on information policy, information technology, and communications. The measure is framed as a formal step toward regulating what the author sees as anti-traditional influences within society.
The deputy claims that a broad portion of Russia’s feminist leadership publicly disagreed with the government’s actions regarding Ukraine, portraying their stance as inconsistent with national priorities. This claim positions gender-focused advocacy as a political fault line linked to broader foreign policy debates.
According to proponents, Western feminist circles are viewed as aligned with opposition to the Russian president’s position on Russia and are accused of endorsing policies that would, in their view, destabilize the country. The narrative links feminist activity to perceived external influence and characterizes it as a challenge to state direction.
Advocates argue that the movement is intertwined with efforts seen as undermining traditional values, arguing that some feminist campaigns promote changes in family structures, reproductive choices, and demographic trends. The contention is that such activities conflict with state policies that emphasize population growth and cultural continuity.
The bill’s proponents say the proposal is under consideration by a government body tasked with examining foreign intervention in domestic affairs. If the commission approves the measure, it would move forward to a formal vote in the national legislature for potential passage.
In parliamentary discussions earlier this year, there were discussions about recognizing certain social and policy positions as extremist, signaling a broader debate about how civil society organizations and advocacy groups should be accommodated within the legal framework. The current discussions reflect tensions between protecting traditional social norms and safeguarding freedom of association and expression in a modern state.