Up to 8 yrs: Bill on liability for "intolerance" to LGBT submitted to Rada

LGBT people in Ukraine. Photo: globallookpress.com

A bill, which provides for liability for discrimination against representatives of the LGBT community, has been introduced to the Verkhovna Rada. The initiator of the law was the head of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Denis Shmyhal, reports "Strana.ua".

Administrative or criminal liability is proposed to be introduced for "intolerance towards people on the ground of sexual orientation and gender identity". If the document is adopted, amendments will be made to the Law of Ukraine "On the Basics of Preventing and Countering Discrimination in Ukraine", to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences, and to the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

In addition, they will clarify the terminological apparatus and expand the powers of the authorized representative of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine for human rights.

It is proposed to punish for direct or indirect restriction of the rights of minorities, public calls for violence motivated by intolerance, as well as other deliberate actions aimed at inciting hostility and hatred, for the same actions committed by an official, as well as for the same actions committed by an organized group of persons or entailing grave consequences.

The maximum fine is from five hundred to one thousand non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens. Also, a person who violates this law can receive from five to eight years in prison.

Earlier, a teacher at the Lviv university said that gays and lesbians should be treated.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.