MOSCOW, June 18 (UPI) -- Russian legislators unanimously approved amendments banning adoption of Russian children by same-sex couples in other countries.
The draft law and its related amendments were passed by Russia's lower house, the State Duma, in a first reading April 16 and a second reading Tuesday. A final reading and vote is scheduled for June 21, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.
The recent decision by France to allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt children, making it the ninth European country to legalize same-sex marriage, has thrust Russian family law into the spotlight, RIA Novosti said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said gay marriage goes against his government's concept of "traditional Russian values." The Duma gave final approval last week to a bill banning "the promotion of non-traditional sexual relationships."
Both the adoption law and the "non-traditional" relationships law require passage by the upper house of Parliament, the Federation Council, and the signature of the president, to become law. Putin has said he will sign the measure.
