Today, the Russian parliament gave its initial support to legislation that would prohibit citizens of countries where gender reassignment is permitted from adopting children of Russian origin. The move, according to the government, is deemed necessary to preserve “traditional values.”

Last year, Russia itself imposed a ban on gender reassignment, both legally and medically.

The adoption law, which had already received initial approval from the government, gained the backing of the State Duma (the lower house) during the first of three readings today.

The bill’s authors view it as a measure aimed at protecting adopted Russian children from what they consider potentially dangerous conditions in western countries.

“This decision is aimed at protecting childhood and traditional values. It is necessary to shield our children from the risks they may face if adopted or fostered by citizens of foreign countries where gender reassignment is allowed,” said Vyacheslav Volodin, the Duma speaker and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, following the vote.