The argument of non-interference by the state in church matters is invalid in the context of the prohibition of activities of religious organizations in Ukraine associated with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).
Deputy Head of the Verkhovna Rada's Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, Yevheniya Kravchuk, stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.
She noted that the parliamentary committee has done everything necessary to prepare for the consideration of draft laws on the ban of these religious organizations. According to Kravchuk, during each Conciliation Council, the committee chairman, Mykyta Poturaev, reminds everyone that both parliamentary and government drafts are already prepared. The Deputy Head of the parliamentary faction, "Servant of the People", expressed the opinion that the government's draft law has a better chance of adoption as it complies with the criteria of European law.
Kravchuk added that the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy of the Verkhovna Rada is constantly cooperating on this issue with the head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky, and the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy.
"The most important thing is the political leadership of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has repeatedly stated that Ukraine needs spiritual independence. We have very important dates ahead of us in July and August - the Day of Statehood and Independence Day. Perhaps, during this calendar period, the Verkhovna Rada will consider these draft laws in the session hall," noted the Deputy Head of the committee.
She speculated that most Members of Parliament support the legislative ban on religious organizations associated with the ROC.
"Some say, 'Let's not interfere in religious matters.' But this argument, it seems to me, is currently invalid. Let's be frank - it was essentially an opportunity to engage in pro-Russian propaganda," emphasized the MP.
It is worth mentioning that in January 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers registered draft law No. 8371 in the Verkhovna Rada regarding the activities of religious organizations in Ukraine, according to which the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) may be terminated. The Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy recommended that the parliament adopt this document in the first reading.
Earlier, Members of Parliament registered a similar bill - No. 8221, "Ensuring National Security in the Sphere of Freedom of Conscience and Activities of Religious Organizations." The Humanitarian Committee also recommended that the Verkhovna Rada adopt this document in the first reading.