Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate criticizes bill against discrimination

The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP) expressed concern over the submission by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine to the Verkhovna Rada bill № 2342 from February 19 "On amendments to some legislative acts of Ukraine to prevent and combat discrimination in Ukraine," the official site of the Kyivan Patriarchate reports.

The bill, the bishops believe, significantly expands the interpretation of the concept of discrimination. Discrimination, in particular, may be recognized as criticism by the church and society of immoral lifestyles of certain individuals.

The Synod of the UOC-KP noted that the bill on preventing and combating discrimination may help lead to the legalization of immoral lifestyles, to restrictions and penalties for public criticism of this way of life and of those who practice it.

"Further steps in this direction are usually the legalization of so-called same-sex marriage, introduction to the educational system, including for young children, propaganda promoting positive attitudes toward immoral lifestyles, etc.," stress the bishops.