Parliament has backed the decriminalisation of pornography at first reading: what will change
231 MPs voted in favour of adopting the bill as a basis.
The bill was tabled on 3 June 2026. Following the vote on 14 July, it is now being prepared for its second reading, so the proposed provisions may still be amended during the consideration of MPs’ amendments.
What exactly is being proposed for decriminalisation
The bill provides for the abolition of criminal liability for the production, storage, transport, transmission, import, sale and distribution of pornographic material intended exclusively for adults.
This refers to content created with the voluntary consent of adult participants. The bill does not remove liability for material involving children, coercion into filming, the covert creation of intimate material, or its distribution without the consent of the person depicted.
Thus, the adoption of the bill will not mean the complete legalisation of all pornography. The changes will apply to the consensual creation and distribution of adult content without violence, coercion or the involvement of minors.
How they intend to strengthen child protection
The draft bill provides for amendments to Articles 301–303 of the Criminal Code. MPs are proposing to increase penalties for the production, acquisition, possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as for knowingly accessing it.
Certain amendments relate to the involvement of children in prostitution, pimping, the operation of brothels and the organisation of sexual performances involving minors.
For the production or distribution of pornographic material involving minors, as well as for creating such content without the consent of the person depicted, a fine of between 85,000 and 170,000 hryvnias or up to five years’ imprisonment is proposed.
The distribution of pornography to children under the age of 14 may be punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment. For coercing minors into participating in a sexual performance, the draft law provides for a prison sentence of between 10 and 15 years. A similar maximum penalty is proposed for luring or coercing minors into prostitution.
Why was a new bill needed?
The Verkhovna Rada considered the previous version of the reform — Bill No. 12191 — on 28 May 2026. At that time, the bill received 207 votes, falling 20 short of the number required for adoption.
Following the failed vote, MPs drafted a new bill, No. 15294. Its official title concerns increasing liability for the production and distribution of child pornography; however, the bill also amends the rules on criminal liability for content intended for adults.
The main parliamentary committee recommended adopting the bill in principle and halving the deadline for submitting amendments ahead of the second reading. At the same time, the Verkhovna Rada’s Main Scientific and Expert Directorate has raised comments on the document.
The bill has not yet come into force. For this to happen, the Verkhovna Rada must adopt it at second reading and in its entirety, after which the document must be signed by the President.
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