Originally published at crisis magazine
The children who are up for adoption represent one of the most vulnerable demographics in any country, relying on the government and various bureaucratic agencies for the entirety of their welfare. The way they are treated is thus a reflection of our societal values, for it reveals our true priorities.
Russia has made the decision to forbid the adoption of Russian children to citizens of foreign nations if those countries allow so-called “gender transitioning.” The bill was signed into law after it passed both houses of Russia’s parliament. We can infer, then, that it had majority support among the political class—something that certainly wouldn’t be mirrored in the United States.
Russia is often villainized to fantastical proportions; but on social issues, the nation so often reflects where we ought to be. Protecting all children from the evil that is mutilation is a noble goal. Yet, American news outlets condemned Russia’s new law as “anti-LGBT legislation.” To be clear, Russia has denied adoptions to America since 2012, allegedly due to mishandling of child abuse cases and the scant prosecution of its offenders. Regardless, the revulsion at Russia’s latest law shows that it is no longer self-evident in America that protecting children
