Russia's Justice Ministry labels unmarried cohabitation a "security threat"

Russian Justice Ministry Deputy Minister Vadim Balanin stated at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that unregistered cohabitation poses a direct threat to Russia's national security and demographic health. The official linked this to Western "revision of traditional values," which he said endangers Russia's state foundations.

Russian Justice Ministry Deputy Minister Vadim Balanin declared at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SILF) that unmarried cohabitation is a direct threat to Russia's national security and demographic health. The statement was made during a session titled "A Strong Family as a Value Orientation of Family Legislation."

Content of the Official Statement

"Right now, as you all know very well, we are facing a phenomenon such as cohabitation without registering marriage. At the same time, the number of divorces among already registered marriages remains significant. We believe such trends can be viewed as a direct threat to our nation's security and our country's demographic health," Balanin said.

The deputy minister also referred to the West, where he assessed that a "period of revision of traditional values" is currently taking place. Such challenges are capable, in his view, of "eroding the foundations of Russia's statehood," which is why the state needs to protect the family.

Broader Campaign in the Name of Traditional Values

The Justice Ministry supports strengthening family relations and measures "to combat the destruction of traditional ideologies," as well as monitors changes to family law, the deputy minister added.

In recent years, Russia has developed a wide-ranging campaign to promote so-called traditional values. Among other things, the authorities are fighting against abortion, discouraging Russians from divorce, and refusing to adopt a domestic violence law. The State Duma has repeatedly rejected such legislation, arguing that it could drive men away from marriage.