Russian Lawmaker to Women: Do Not Have Sexual Relations with Foreigners During World Cup

A senior Russian lawmaker and head of the family, women, and children committee in the lower house of parliament advised Russian women not to engage in sexual relations with foreign men during the World Cup. According to Tamara Pletnyova, if Russian women feel such a need, it is better to find a sexual partner of the same ethnicity. This statement by Pletnyova was made just one day before the World Cup, which will be held for nearly a month in various cities across Russia, with hundreds of thousands of football fans expected to visit the country. Pletnyova's remarks, broadcasted by 'Govorit Moskva' radio, served as a warning about the potential increase in the number of single women giving birth. The audio of this interview was not available on the radio's website, but Pletnyova stated, 'These children suffer and have suffered, even since the Soviet era.' She also mentioned that if a Russian woman becomes pregnant, it is better for the child's father to be 'of the same ethnicity. If he is of another ethnicity, it is worse.' Pletnyova, a member of the Communist Party, further stated, 'We must give birth to our children. I am not a nationalist, but I think it is better. I know that children also suffer; they will be abandoned and will stay here with their mother.' She added that even if Russian women marry foreigners, they will go abroad with their husbands and may not know how to return to their country. 'Later, they come to me in the committee and cry that their children have been taken away. I want people to marry based on love and interest in our country, regardless of ethnic issues, with Russian citizens who can build a good family, live in peace, have children, and raise them.' The acute demographic situation in Russia was highlighted by the Federal State Statistics Service, which announced in January that the birth rate in 2017 had decreased by about 10 percent compared to the previous year. This marks the third consecutive year of declining birth rates in Russia. President Vladimir Putin warned last November about the 'acute demographic situation in the country.' A spokesperson for Tamara Pletnyova responded to a question from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, stating that they were unaware of her comments in this interview and could not comment on the matter. Pletnyova has previously made controversial statements, including supporting the remarks of Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, who said that if female parliamentary journalists face sexual harassment from parliament members, they should change their jobs. In an interview with 'Echo of Moscow,' she said, 'Female journalists should have a more appropriate appearance and should dress properly instead of showing their bare navels when entering a government building. Mr. Volodin is right, and I support him. If they are afraid or feel insulted, they should not come here.' These comments from the speaker of the State Duma came after female parliamentary journalists accused Leonid Slutsky, a member of parliament, of sexual harassment.