OCU confident that Rada will pass Law 8371

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: Gordon

OCU spokesperson Yevstratiy Zoria stated that Law 8371, aimed at the actual elimination of the UOC, will be passed. He discussed this with Gazeta.ua.

He explained that in Western countries, the perception has formed that this bill violates freedom of religion, and this opinion has had a certain impact among American conservatives. Zoria noted that the efforts of the Ukrainian religious community have largely dispelled this effect, and Congress voted to provide military aid to Ukraine.

Fearing that the adoption of Law 8371 could hinder Kyiv in obtaining military assistance, Zoria says that the time between the first reading of the law and its final adoption is being used to "better explain to partners that we are striving not to violate but to protect freedom of religion in Ukraine."

"Experience suggests that the law will be passed. Whether it will be effective is hard to say, but it will have a positive effect," concluded the OCU spokesperson.

As reported by the UOJ, former Ukrainian Ombudsman representative Mykhailo Chaplyha stated that as a result of the adoption of the anti-church Law 8371, believers whose rights are systematically violated can appeal to the ECHR and win cases there.

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