However, last week the lower house of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, threatened to upend this agreement. The chamber passed a bill that would outlaw the adoption of Russian children by Americans. The bill now goes to the upper chamber, the Federation Council; from there, it would go to President Vladimir Putin for his signature. Putin said at a Dec. 20 news conference that he supports the thrust of the bill but has not decided whether to sign it.
The Duma’s abrupt action was taken in retaliation for U.S. legislation, approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama, that denies visas and other privileges for Russian officials who abuse human rights. The measure is named after a Russian lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who died of maltreatment in prison after exposing tax fraud by Russian officials. Putin and the Russian elite have been fuming about the Magnitsky bill for months.
The Duma’s legislation stirred deep divisions in Russian society. Nationalists insisted that Russia could take care of its own children.
In the rush to retaliate, the Duma has acted against Russia’s own best interests. The legislation would deny hundreds of children an opportunity each year to escape the dire condition of Russian orphanages. Although Putin says of caring for these children “we must do it ourselves,” the simple fact is that many of them will not be adopted by Russians, and they often suffer in primitive facilities.
More broadly, the point of the Magnitsky bill is to name and shame those who violate human rights in Russia. This is a goal that Russia should welcome, a step toward rule of law and a healthy society. Instead, the Duma has picked up a cudgel more likely to hurt Russia than the United States. Putin should refuse to sign the bill.
