“The vote to ban the UOC will become a cornerstone in relations with the U.S. and the European Union,” - ex-MP

Former Ukrainian parliamentary deputy Ihor Mosiychuk has said that voting in favor of the draft law No 8371 aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will have an extremely negative impact on Ukraine’s relations with its Western partners from the USA and the EU. The former MP is convinced that the adoption of such a law will definitely be regarded in the West as a violation of the right to freedom of conscience and will lead to serious political consequences. About this Mosiychuk wrote on his page in Facebook.

“The final vote of the Bill on the ban of the UOC – will undoubtedly become a cornerstone in relations with the United States and EU countries. And this is a fact! The point is that human rights, including religion and the right to spread one’s faith – is a “sacred cow” for all democratic societies. And this is declared by numerous international acts, in particular it is also an integral part of the legal field of Ukraine. In simple words, the adoption of this bill, for Western countries – will be equal to the oppression of people/communities on the basis of their religion. That is, it is a direct pressure on the rights of believers, while the issue of religion is inviolable for democratic countries,” – Mosiychuk wrote.

The politician added that if the law No. 8371 is passed in the second reading, Ukraine will face a reduction in financial aid and military support, which is currently provided by Western countries. In addition, Mosiychuk recalled the risk of imposing personal sanctions against those who xto take part in the ban of the UOC.

“Accordingly, the final adoption of this bill, first of all, will lead to a decrease in funding and arms supplies from the United States. In addition, if Donald Trump wins the election – Ukraine will face even worse consequences from the adoption of the ban of the UOC. And these consequences will be the mandatory introduction of sanctions, which the Republicans have repeatedly announced when our politicians raised the issue of oppression of people based on their religion. As for the Europeans, with the adoption of Bill 8371 – we can forget about Ukraine’s accession to the EU. Money and weapons from them can also run out. And all this for the reason that Euro-politicians will not be able to explain to their society in any way how to accept a country where human rights are grossly violated into the union. These will be the real, actual consequences of the adoption of the Bill on the ban of the UOC”, – summarized Mosiychuk.

We shall remind you that earlier we reported that political scientist and head of the Center for the Development of Local Self-Government and Local Initiatives “Third Sector” Andriy Zolotaryov commented on the possible consequences that await Ukraine in case of adoption of the bill № 8371, aimed at banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Zolotaryov believes that if the law is passed, the state will face serious difficulties due to the non-acceptance of its provisions by its Western partners.