A petition calling for legislative protection of Christian holy sites has been launched in Ukraine

An initiative has been posted on Ukraine’s online petition website aimed at strengthening legal protection for Christian holy sites and the feelings of believers. The author of the petition calls on the authorities to establish criminal and administrative liability for public blasphemy and the disrespectful use of religious symbols.

The author of the petition, Valentina Ilyina, notes that during wartime, faith has become a vital spiritual pillar for millions of citizens; however, existing legislation does not provide adequate protection against desecration of holy sites in the media. The petition emphasizes that the Gospel, upon which the country’s presidents take their oath of office, is de facto one of the most important symbols of the state and deserves to be treated with respect.

The initiative proposes adding a new Article 161-1 to the Criminal Code of Ukraine. It would provide for punishment for the intentional disrespectful or humiliating use of icons, relics, the Crown of Thorns, and sacred books in the media, on social media, and in advertising materials. The authors emphasize that these measures are not intended to restrict freedom of speech, but rather to ensure compliance with basic standards of human decency and to protect the rights of believers who face unpunished acts of blasphemy.