Zelensky signed a controversial law, contradicting the Constitution, that allows the banning of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed Law No. 8371, amending certain laws of Ukraine regarding the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine.

This information was posted on the website of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament).

The law prohibits the activities of religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). If such connections with the ROC are established, the religious organization will be given nine months to sever them.

It should be noted that on August 20, the Verkhovna Rada passed bill No. 8371 in its entirety. In the second reading, the document was supported by 265 members of Parliament. The group “Platform for Life and Peace,” led by Yuriy Boyko, almost unanimously voted against the law. Additionally, 7 members of the “Revival of Ukraine” group and 3 members from the “Servant of the People” party voted against the law.

The President’s party provided 173 votes out of its 233 members. Other factions and groups almost entirely supported the law.

Furthermore, the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience announced the requirements for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it must fulfill to avoid being banned under the newly adopted law by the Verkhovna Rada.

Meanwhile, experts have stated that the adoption of this bill directly contradicts Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine.

Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine:

Everyone has the right to freedom of belief and religion. This right includes the freedom to practice any religion or not to practice any religion, to perform religious rites and rituals individually or collectively without hindrance, and to conduct religious activities.

The exercise of this right may be restricted by law only in the interests of protecting public order, health, and morals of the population or protecting the rights and freedoms of others.

Churches and religious organizations in Ukraine are separated from the state, and schools are separated from the church. No religion may be recognized by the state as mandatory.

No one may be exempted from their obligations to the state or refuse to comply with laws based on religious beliefs. If performing military duty contradicts a citizen’s religious beliefs, the performance of this duty should be replaced by alternative (non-military) service.