Russia is considering a ban on popular franchises like *Harry Potter* and *Game of Thrones*, as well as other film projects, due to alleged "childfree propaganda." The relevant information appeared in *Parliamentary Gazette*.
The publication clarifies that two regulatory documents will come into effect starting September 1: an order from the Ministry of Culture restricting distribution licenses for films with themes of "rejecting childbirth," and a directive from Roskomnadzor (Russia's media regulator) defining the signs of such "propaganda."
Representatives of Roskomnadzor explained to the outlet which materials would fall under the restrictions: - Calls not to have children or justifications for such a choice; - Claims about the benefits of a childfree life; - Negative portrayals of pregnancy or parental roles.
These criteria could lead to the blocking of films and TV series featuring such ideas or characters who support them.
For example, in *House of Cards*, Claire Underwood "prioritized her career, and when asked if she regretted not having children, she responded with a counter-question—whether the other person regretted their own choices."
*Parliamentary Gazette* also highlights the character Samantha Jones from *Sex and the City*, who "openly adheres to childfree principles" and "struggled" while taking care of a child.
The publication further mentions Brienne of Tarth from *Game of Thrones*—a character who consciously rejected motherhood in favor of knighthood and equality with men.
"Even in the seemingly harmless *Harry Potter* story, experts detected elements of childfree ideology—Professor Minerva McGonagall had no children," the outlet concluded.