The law on renaming religious organizations enters into force

The official publication Voice of Ukraine published the text of the law on the renaming of religious organizations

The official parliamentary edition Golos Ukayiny (Voice of Ukraine) has published the text of the law on December 26, 2018.

The examination to determine what religious organizations fall within the scope of this provision will be carried out by the Department of the Ministry of Culture for Religions and Nationalities. Its results will also be published subsequently.

According to the provisions of the law, within nine months the communities, who fall within the scope of the provisions of the law, must change their name and submit the relevant documents to the state authorities.

As the UOJ reported, the UOC had announced their intention to challenge bill #5309 with the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. The head of the Law Dept of the UOC, Protopriest Alexander Bakhov, explained that any attempts by the state to force the Church to change its name are illegal and are regarded from the point of view of international law as interference in the internal affairs of a religious group. In this regard, the UOC intends to protect its rights by all legal means.

On December 22, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed the anti-church bill No. 5309 “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine ‘On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations’” regarding the name of religious organizations that are incorporated (form part of) a religious organization whose governing center is located outside Ukraine... "

On December 20, MPs, with 240 votes cast, voted in favor of bill No. 5309, which obliges the UOC to change its name.

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