Ukrainian Parliament Supports Decriminalization of Adult Pornography in First Reading

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada on July 14 supported in first reading bill No. 15294, which increases liability for production and distribution of child pornography while decriminalizing adult pornography. The version adopted maintains or toughens penalties for selling or distributing pornographic materials to minors, as well as for coercing anyone into participating in porn production. However, creating pornographic materials with adult participants and distributing them to adult viewers would no longer be considered a crime.

In an opinion piece, Tamara Zlobina, a candidate of philosophical sciences and head of the expert resource "Gender in Details," argues that decriminalization without proper regulation could lead to severe social consequences. She cites research indicating that regular porn consumption reduces relationship satisfaction, fosters unrealistic expectations about women's sexuality, and increases tolerance of sexual violence.

Zlobina points out that the porn industry, even in regulated countries, carries risks of infection, coercion, and psychological trauma for performers. She proposes a compromise: legalize individual production (e.g., for those working via platforms like OnlyFans) but keep criminal liability for firms and agencies to prevent the creation of a commercial porn industry in Ukraine.

The author calls on lawmakers to include safeguards in the bill, such as protections for vulnerable groups, social guarantees, and sexual education, before the second reading. She warns that without these measures, decriminalization could create a lucrative market for human trafficking and exploitation, especially amid war and poverty.