Verkhovna Rada members propose to decriminalize porn
The bill on the decriminalization of pornography is being reintroduced in the Verkhovna Rada. Photo: Dnepr.info
A revised version of bill No. 12191, proposing the decriminalization of pornography, has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, reports Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a member of the "Holos" faction, on 11 November.
The bill includes amendments to Article 301 of the Criminal Code, removing the punishment of 3-5 years in prison for adults for creating and distributing intimate content. "This is the decriminalization of pornography. So that people aren’t sent to prison for possessing content or for conducting 'undercover operations' via webcams," Zhelezniak noted, adding that, at present, individuals could be penalized even for storing nude photographs on their personal phones.
However, criminal liability would remain for the following actions:
- Creating pornography without consent (e.g., revenge porn, deep fakes);
- Extreme pornography (violence, bestiality, necrophilia);
- Involvement of minors in pornography and its distribution among minors (where penalties are expected to be strengthened).
Zhelezniak also emphasized that procuring, involvement in prostitution, and human trafficking will remain criminal offences.
The bill has been signed by 28 members of parliament, including Yaroslav Zhelezniak and the head of the working group, Vladlen Nekliudov. A similar bill was not passed in the past due to a wave of criticism, with opponents claiming that it would effectively legalize the pornography industry in the country.
Zhelezniak also reported that models on the OnlyFans platform from Ukraine earned nearly $123 million in 2020-2022 but cannot pay taxes due to the ban on distributing such content in the country.
As reported, the deputies who initiated the bill on the decriminalization of pornography stated earlier that the current laws on pornography in Ukraine are still based on Soviet-era norms, from a morality of the past millennium.
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.