Russian Parliament Approves Ban on Americans Adopting Russian Children
Bill passes easily
Russia's parliament has given overwhelming preliminary approval to a measure banning Americans from adopting Russian children.
The bill, which came in retaliation for a US measure that punishes Russia for its rights record under President Vladimir Putin, was approved by 400 legislators in the 450-seat chamber on Wednesday.
The measure bans adoption of Russian children by US families, ends the bilateral adoption agreement between the two countries, and forbids US adoption agencies from working in Russia.
US legislators last week adopted a law allowing sanctions on Russians allegedly involved in the 2009 prison death of anti-corruption whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky.