Russia proposes ban on ideologies opposing traditional values

A new legislative proposal has been introduced to the Russian State Duma that seeks to ban all ideologies, teachings, cults, and movements deemed contrary to ‘traditional Russian spiritual and moral values’ and ‘traditional religions.’ The bill, submitted by Deputy Nikolay Burlyayev, aims to amend the law ‘On Combating Extremist Activity.’

Burlyayev argues that the current lack of a clear ban on such ideologies poses an ‘existential threat’ to the country. The proposal does not provide a specific list of prohibited ideologies or precise criteria for evaluation, but it would allow for the designation of certain movements, symbols, and related materials—including texts and images—as extremist.

The bill is intended to prevent groups from bypassing existing bans by operating under new names, a concern raised following a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that designated the International Satanist Movement as extremist. Proposed criteria for determining the destructiveness of a teaching could include ‘historical experience’ or the ‘propaganda of evil,’ such as ideologies claiming that the family unit is harmful.