Russia is working against the western hegemon of power in several ways, and while that gives them a leg up in the realm of anti-imperialism, don’t forget that the leadership and cultural narrative itself is regressively liberal, capitalist, and very on par with the conservative ideals of right wing/conservative Americans.
Russia is very anti-lgbt and anti-abortion, while holding the Church in fervently high regard. Just from these few aspects, it is pretty obvious why Russia is attempting to appeal to the conservative American base.
What gave you the “very anti-abortion” impression? I do agree that views towards lgbt are neutral at best even in cities that are known for being the best places to be in as an lgbt person in Russia and that the church has way too much funding and influence.
The falling birth rate has been a topic of much importance for the past 40 years in Russia. To capitalists and the army this is a worrying and unacceptable trend, and abortion laws have become a strong target of these woes. In turn public perception has begun to turn against it.
For example, Soviet law post-1955 used to allow abortions in an unlimited capacity, along with the right to sterilization and contraception. Russian law restricted this to 22 weeks in the early 2000’s, then to 12 weeks in 2011. Along with increasing restrictions on sterilization, and giving doctors the right to refuse abortion.
Additionally the Orthodox Church is extremely hostile to the idea of abortion, and is a key figure in fighting against the practice. They hold much sway politically and socially.
Also “neutral at best” is pushing it slightly for lgbt acceptance. It’s more of a “don’t ask don’t tell” type policy, but even in “accepting” cities, if there is anything visibly lgbt about you, prepare to be harassed or assaulted by regular people and the police constantly. It is not a good country in that regard.
Russia is working against the western hegemon of power in several ways, and while that gives them a leg up in the realm of anti-imperialism, don’t forget that the leadership and cultural narrative itself is regressively liberal, capitalist, and very on par with the conservative ideals of right wing/conservative Americans.
Russia is very anti-lgbt and anti-abortion, while holding the Church in fervently high regard. Just from these few aspects, it is pretty obvious why Russia is attempting to appeal to the conservative American base.
What gave you the “very anti-abortion” impression? I do agree that views towards lgbt are neutral at best even in cities that are known for being the best places to be in as an lgbt person in Russia and that the church has way too much funding and influence.
The falling birth rate has been a topic of much importance for the past 40 years in Russia. To capitalists and the army this is a worrying and unacceptable trend, and abortion laws have become a strong target of these woes. In turn public perception has begun to turn against it.
For example, Soviet law post-1955 used to allow abortions in an unlimited capacity, along with the right to sterilization and contraception. Russian law restricted this to 22 weeks in the early 2000’s, then to 12 weeks in 2011. Along with increasing restrictions on sterilization, and giving doctors the right to refuse abortion.
Additionally the Orthodox Church is extremely hostile to the idea of abortion, and is a key figure in fighting against the practice. They hold much sway politically and socially.
Also “neutral at best” is pushing it slightly for lgbt acceptance. It’s more of a “don’t ask don’t tell” type policy, but even in “accepting” cities, if there is anything visibly lgbt about you, prepare to be harassed or assaulted by regular people and the police constantly. It is not a good country in that regard.