Russian Orthodox Church Condemns Proposed Childlessness Tax
The Russian Orthodox Church has strongly criticized the recent proposal to introduce a tax on childlessness, labeling it as an absurd and provocative initiative. Priest Fyodor Lukyanov, chairman of the Patriarchal Commission on Family Issues, expressed his concerns in an interview, stating that such proposals aim to provoke negativity towards traditional family values and hinder the adoption of a bill that seeks to ban childfree propaganda.
Lukyanov emphasized that these initiatives weaken national sovereignty and undermine society's efforts to combat destructive ideologies. He argued that the proposed tax is a distraction from the more pressing issue of promoting family support and protecting the younger generation from manipulative ideologies. He stated, "These ideas are being thrown out to provoke negativity towards the topic of supporting the traditional family."
State Duma's Mixed Reactions
The State Duma has seen a variety of responses to the proposed tax. Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin cautioned deputies against making hasty decisions, urging them to consider the societal implications of such initiatives. Yaroslav Nilov, chairman of the Committee on Labor, Social Policy, and Veterans Affairs, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the focus should instead be on creating favorable conditions for families rather than imposing punitive measures.
Deputy Vitaly Milonov also voiced his opposition, arguing that love and family cannot be mandated through taxes or sanctions. He encouraged proponents of the tax to contribute positively to family development instead of advocating for financial penalties.
Kremlin's Stance on the Proposal
In light of the controversy, the Kremlin has distanced itself from the tax proposal, with press secretary Dmitry Peskov stating that they are unaware of its details. He noted that a similar tax existed during the Soviet era but did not significantly impact the demographic situation. The Kremlin's position suggests a careful consideration of the potential repercussions of such policies.
Additionally, the State Duma is currently reviewing a bill aimed at banning childfree propaganda across various media platforms. This legislation proposes significant fines for promoting the refusal to have children, ranging from 400,000 rubles for individuals to 5 million rubles for legal entities. The Duma has assured the public that this bill will not infringe upon personal lifestyle choices.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the tax on childlessness reflects broader societal concerns regarding family values and demographic policies in Russia, with the Orthodox Church and various political figures advocating for a supportive approach rather than punitive measures.
