MP: The state, supporting one denomination, divides the country

MP Alexander Dolzhenkov

Selectivity breeds discrimination, controversy and debate, so the government policy aimed at supporting one denomination divides the country, said MP Alexander Dolzhenkov from the “Opposition Bloc” party in his comment to the "1Kozak" channel.

“I do not support the formation of a state policy aimed at supporting one denomination,” he said. “You see what is signed between Ukraine and Patriarch Bartholomew: "We will assist in every way, support in every way." And others do not exist in Ukraine? Selectivity breeds discrimination, controversy, debate. We are dividing the country.”

Answering the question about Law No. 4128, which was allegedly adopted to rationalize the mechanism for changing the subordination of religious communities, it, in fact, only facilitates the transfer from the UOC to the OCU, in the opinion of the politician.

“Unfortunately, the Constitutional Court is preparing a refusal to open proceedings. But we will submit a new application until the court begins to consider this issue because it is socially important and significant. We are against inciting any conflicts,” he said, adding that in Ukraine the Constitutional Court is not an independent body now, it is politically motivated since it is appointed by the authorities.

“Our demand is non-interference of the state in the affairs of the Church, as stipulated by the Constitution ... Why use these questions in the election campaign? No President has done this, and this one doesn’t stop at anything: he interferes into the language and into religion!” the deputy concluded.

As the UOJ reported, earlier the deputies from the “Opposition bloc” Alexander Dolzhenkov and Nikolai Skorik expressed the opinion that direct intervention of the authorities in religious matters is unlawful, and officials, believing that they are above the law, are abusing their authority.

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