Rada to consider law on alternative service based on religious beliefs

An illustrative photo from today.ua

The Verkhovna Rada registered bill No. 11439, aimed at ensuring the constitutional right of citizens to alternative (non-military) service. It seeks to address existing gaps in Ukrainian legislation that allow for ambiguous resolutions of certain legal issues.

Specifically, the document proposes several amendments to Article 23 of the Law "On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization," stipulating that the following categories are not subject to military service during mobilization (in a special period):

• Clergy members who belong to churches and religious organisations (associations) included in the AUCCRO, whose activities are not banned in Ukraine;

• Ukrainian citizens who can provide written confirmation that fulfilling military duties contradicts their religious beliefs (such citizens should have their military duty replaced with alternative (non-military) service).

As reported by the UOJ, the Supreme Court published a decision regarding refusal of service due to religion.

Earlier, the Theological Commission of the UOC expressed its position on the issue of mobilization.

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