20 signatures short in the Rada for Bill 8371 to be put to vote
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: lexinform
In the Verkhovna Rada, 221 signatures from members of parliament have been collected to bring Bill No. 8371, aimed at effectively banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, to a second reading vote. According to LB.ua, only MPs from the "European Solidarity" and "Holos" parties have signed the bill in full.
"LB.ua received a list of those who refused to sign. It includes 146 MPs, particularly those currently under investigation, such as Nestor Shufrych. Among those who did not support the bill are about 90 MPs from the 'Servant of the People' party. Two MPs from 'Batkivshchyna' did not support it. Only one MP, Yuriy Zahorodny, supported it from the 'Platform for Life and Peace' (formerly OPZZh). The factions 'European Solidarity' and 'Holos' fully signed the bill 'On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Activities of Religious Organizations in Ukraine' (No. 8371)," the report states.
According to LB.ua, there are currently 221 signatures "for" the bill. Previously, the speaker of parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, stated that 240 signatures from MPs are needed for Bill No. 8371 to be considered.
LB.ua reports that after the National Prayer Breakfast (scheduled for this Saturday, July 29), about seven Protestant MPs from various parliamentary groups might join the initiative.
As the UOJ reported, the Rivne City Council urged the Rada to urgently adopt the anti-church law.
Read also
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."