Amsterdam: Law 8371 is to be voted on next week
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Photo: portal.lviv
It has become known that MPs of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine plan to introduce bill No. 8371, which effectively bans the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, into the agenda for next week. American lawyer for the UOC Robert Amsterdam wrote about this on his Twitter on July 17.
"The timing is highly provocative, coming right after the RNC – pushing an illegal bill to attack freedom of religion; a real slap in the face of Ukraine's benefactors," Amsterdam said.
The lawyer emphasized that he supports Ukraine's sovereignty and continued US assistance, but billions of taxpayer dollars require at least a commitment to the rule of law and human rights.
"The US can never be involved in funding the repression of an entire religion based on false pretense – it is against international law," he wrote.
As the UOJ reported, the U.S. Vice President could become a politician who criticized the persecution of the UOC. U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator JD Vance for this position.
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.