Petition Calls for Rejection of Updated Civil Code
A petition urging the government to block the adoption of the revised Civil Code has gathered over 25,000 signatures. Authored by Khrystyna Ratushna, the appeal was submitted on the website of the President of Ukraine and accumulated a substantial number of endorsements within just 24 hours. By May 13, 29,004 people had signed it. This surge reflects growing public concern over the proposed legal changes in a country already navigating wartime challenges.
Parliament Backs the Bill
On April 28, 2023, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved draft law No. 15150 in its first reading, which seeks to overhaul the Civil Code. A total of 254 lawmakers voted in favor. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, one of the bill's sponsors, stated that
“the draft law will undergo significant changes before the second reading.”
The document introduces the term 'dobrozvychaynist' (good faith), which appears more than 45 times. Critics have flagged several troubling aspects, including:
- risks of discrimination based on personal characteristics;
- potential restrictions on Ukrainian military personnel;
- the creation of a legal concept for de facto family unions;
- concerns over possible legalization of unlawful alienation of public property.
The public is closely monitoring the bill's progress, as its passage could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine's legal framework and the rule of law. The strong petition response highlights the need for broader debate and stakeholder input before any final decision is made.
While modernizing the Civil Code is seen as a key step in legal reform, the wave of public opposition demonstrates that many citizens view the proposed changes as a threat to their rights and freedoms. As the process moves forward, balancing reform with public trust remains a critical challenge.
As the debate intensifies over the proposed changes to the Civil Code, many are looking to understand the implications of the recent legislative actions. The recent passage of the new Civil Code in Parliament highlights the urgency of this matter, as it presents significant modifications that could impact various aspects of Ukrainian law and society. The public's response to the petition underscores the critical need for transparency and dialogue in this ongoing legal reform process.