Russian parliament approves bill banning American adoptions

A bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children yesterday went to president Vladimir Putin for his signature after winning final approval from parliament in retaliation for a US law meant to punish Russian human rights abusers.

Putin has strongly hinted he will sign the bill, which also outlaws some US-funded non-governmental groups and hits back at US sanctions by imposing visa bans and asset freezes on Americans accused of violating the rights of Russians.

The Federation Council, Russia’s upper parliament house, voted unanimously to approve the bill, which has clouded US-Russian relations and outraged liberals who say lawmakers are playing a political game with the lives of children.