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Verkhovna Rada to Consider Another Bill on Cooperation between Schools and Religious Organizations

01.08.2013, 09:27
The Ukrainian parliament introduced another bill aimed at building partnerships between schools and the church (religious organizations).

The Ukrainian parliament introduced another bill aimed at building partnerships between schools and the church (religious organizations).

The legislative initiative was registered in parliament July 25, 2013, by the representative of the president of the Verkhovna Rada, Yuri Miroshnychenko, the Institute for Religious Freedom reports.

It should be noted that the text of the new bill, with a single exception, is identical to a bill that was introduced June 18 by the same author along with Hanna Herman (both from Party of Regions). Before it was considered by the parliament, that bill was discussed with representatives of denominations who joined a working group with specialists in the parliament and experts.

In contrast, the latest bill, although it retains the same set of amendments to the education law, has a different structure. This is due to the change in the parliamentary committee, which will prepare the conclusion of the first reading and, if the bill is passed, will prepare amendments for consideration for the second reading.

In addition, amendments to Article 5 of the Law on Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations are missing from the newly submitted bill. These provisions specified the principle of separation of school and church.

Other amendments and wording do not differ from the previous bill.

As reported, on April 10, 2013, members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations met with leaders and members of the Committee of Culture and Spirituality and the Committee of Science and Education. An agreement was reached on a systematic dialogue and cooperation between the parliament and the religious community regarding freedom of religion.