Ukrainian Parliament drafts law on exclusive use of the Ukrainian language
The draft law on the state language, providing for the exclusive use of Ukrainian in almost all areas of life was registered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
The corresponding document was published on the agency’s website. The authors of draft law are 33 members of Parliament from different factions, the website says. The document provides that using the Ukrainian language should become compulsory for all state authorities and local public authorities, as well as preschool, school, non-school and higher education establishments.
The proposal also affects the cultural sector. All events would have to be held exclusively in the Ukrainian language, as well as shooting of movies and media activities. The draft law provides for punishment with a fine of $130 to $260 for citizens who violate one of its provisions.
Official authorities and budget organizations will have to pay a fine of up to $200 and a maximum fine will be imposed on the media for such violations. Also, the draft law provides for the abolition of the law “On the principles of the state language policy” that was adopted in 2012. This document foresaw the possibility of the official use of two languages in 13 out of 27 regions of the country.
After the Maidan Revolution in 2014, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine declared that this law ceased to be in force. The Deputy from the People’s Front faction, Leonid Yemets, previously spoke of the need to adopt laws on state language and languages of national minorities in order to guarantee their rights.