Russian Orthodox Church Gets New Power To Preview Duma Legislation

The Moscow Times reported last week that the Russian Orthodox Church will now be consulted in advance by United Russia deputies in the lower house of legislature so it can preview all legislation that will be considered by the State Duma. The agreement came after Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill conferred with two senior United Russia deputies over the Duma's ratification in May of the European Social Charter. Approval was required as part of Russia's membership in the Council of Europe. Krill objects to interpretations of provisions in the document that require public schools to offer sex education and require the creation of juvenile justice systems aimed at deterring youth from committing crimes. (Case Law Fact Sheet). Krill believes that parents, not the government, should be responsible for sex education and for discipline of their children.