Yelensky: Churches oppose LGBT for now but will compromise for EU integration
Ukraine’s top official on religious affairs, Viktor Yelenskyi, said tensions over LGBT issues are inevitable as Ukraine moves toward EU membership, but expressed confidence that religious leaders will eventually make compromises despite their current opposition.
The head of DESS Viktor Yelensky stated in an interview with "Interfax-Ukraine" agency that issues regarding attitudes toward LGBT will cause tension in the country as Ukraine fulfills its obligations for joining the European Union. According to Yelensky, in Christianity homosexual relations are considered a sin, and "in certain aspects these norms come into conflict with those that exist in the West, particularly in European Union countries." He believes that tension due to the difference in positions between the EU and religious organizations is "inevitable." At the same time, Yelensky is optimistic and believes that although the AUCCRO "has its own 'red lines,' they are capable of compromises." As an example of the organization's members' readiness to meet the authorities halfway, the head of DESS cited the issue of sex education in schools. Yelensky noted that while previously religious organizations rigidly rejected any such programs, now the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO) has agreed to their necessity, putting forward only technical remarks regarding textbooks.
As reported by UOJ, Ukraine is preparing a project on alternative service based on religious convictions.
