We shall remind you that earlier we reported that the head of the international human rights company “Amsterdam & Partners LLP” Robert Amsterdam, representing the legal interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, wrote an open appeal to Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he pointed out the risks for Ukraine associated with the possible adoption of the scandalous bill № 8371, aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The human rights defender pointed out that he had information about the purposeful destruction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the Ukrainian authorities, which, according to international law, is a crime against humanity.
"The ban of the UOC may lead to catastrophic consequences for Ukrainian society and the state," - MP Boyko
The head of the Opposition Platform for Life and Peace parliamentary faction, MP Yuriy Boyko, has urged his colleagues in parliament to refuse to vote for the draft law No 8371 aimed at banning the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Boyko is convinced that the adoption of this bill will have disastrous consequences for Ukraine. The words of the politician quoted by the publication GOLOS.EU.
“The ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the vote on which is planned in Parliament at the end of August, may lead to catastrophic consequences for Ukrainian society and the state. First, the UOC has about 10 million parishioners, and banning it would cause a split in society. An attempt to deprive millions of people of the opportunity to freely practice their faith could lead to serious tension and even internal conflicts. Secondly, such actions grossly violate fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine and international acts ratified by Ukraine. The ban on the UOC threatens freedom of religion and sets a dangerous precedent for other religious organizations,” – the MP said.
Boyko believes that voting in favor of the bill No 8371 may have negative consequences in relations with Ukraine’s Western partners as well. The MP added that the faction he heads will not support the ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“In addition, it can negatively affect Ukraine’s international relations. In the United States, for example, the Republican Party actively advocates the defense of religious freedoms. The ban of the UOC may cause criticism from a number of influential American politicians and lead to deterioration of relations with our important ally. Our parliamentary group has consistently opposed the banning of the UOC. We did not support the bill #8371 in the first reading, and we will vote against it in the second reading. We urge all sensible deputies not to make a fatal mistake and not to vote for the ban of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And it is not even about possible personal sanctions by the United States – the adoption of the law banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will not only cause serious damage to its international reputation and positions on the world stage, but will also dangerously exacerbate internal contradictions in Ukraine,” – the MP concluded.
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