Controversial plans to partially decriminalize domestic violence in Russia took a step towards becoming law on Wednesday after Russian MPs approved a second reading of the legislation.

The State Duma voted overwhelmingly in favour of a legal amendment that would end criminal liability for battery of family members that does not cause bodily harm and is not a repeat offence.

The bill would instead make domestic battery equivalent to minor assault, which is an administrative offence punishable by a 30,000 ruble (£412) fine, 15 days in jail, or 120 hours of community service.

Ultra conservative MPs and activists pushing the bill say the current law criminalizes parents spanking their children but allow strangers to do so with impunity.

Women’s right campaigners have bitterly opposed the amendment, saying it would lift one of very few protections against domestic violence.

Activists picketed the Duma on Wednesday morning to oppose the bill. An online petition against it has attracted more than 200,000 signatures.