The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered draft law No. 15251, which provides for administrative liability and fines for the provision of paid services in the areas of fortune-telling, magic, psychicism and occultism. It was initiated by MP Georgii Mazurashu. The document is currently under consideration by the Parliament.
The Verkhovna Rada is considering a ban on paid fortune-telling services
On 15 May, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine registered draft law No. 15251, which provides for the introduction of administrative liability for the provision of paid services in the field of fortune-telling, astrology, numerology, spiritualism, the use of tarot cards, and other occult activities. The initiative was authored by George Mazurashu.
The document proposes not only to punish the provision of such services, but also to ban their advertising, promotion and dissemination of information about the activities of psychics and fortune tellers. This, according to the author, is necessary to protect citizens from the influence of unreliable practices that can harm the psyche.
Fines and confiscation of property are provided for
Draft law provides for the introduction of fines with confiscation of property for the initial violation. In the event of a repeat offence, liability may be increased. Thus, the state plans to respond harshly to attempts to make money from occult services and their advertising.
The explanatory note states that the practice of fortune-telling and occult activities has a negative impact on people's mental health and can affect their ability to make decisions. Lawmakers believe that such restrictions will help reduce the number of cases of manipulation of citizens.
The draft law has just been submitted to parliament
At the current stage, draft law No. 15251 has only been registered in the Verkhovna Rada and does not yet have the status of a law. In order for the administrative fines and restrictions to take effect, the document must pass two parliamentary readings and be signed by the President of Ukraine.
So far, the provision of paid services in the field of fortune-telling and occultism is not subject to administrative liability, but the situation may change if the draft law is passed. Supporting it could be an important step towards strengthening the protection of citizens from fraudulent schemes.
Why it matters
Restrictions on paid services in the field of fortune-telling and occultism may significantly affect the market for such services in Ukraine. The introduction of fines and administrative liability is intended to protect citizens from the influence of false information and potential fraudsters.
At the same time, the draft law arouses public interest and discussions about freedom of choice and the limits of state interference in the spiritual life of citizens. The adoption of the document may become a precedent for further regulation of similar areas in the country.
