Features of the Principle of Legal Equality of Religious Organizations in Ukraine

The article identifies the features of the principle of legal equality of religious organizations in Ukraine, since freedom of religion is based on the equality before the law of different religious organizations and, first of all, believers. However, the declared equality before the law is valid only in state-legal relations, while in the socio-political dimension it is somewhat conditional. Therefore, the principle of equality of religious organizations requires effective legal support for its implementation both in relations between the state and religious organizations and in interfaith relations. It is proved that the legal status of any religious organization in accordance with the current national legislation is based on two defining principles: the separation of the church from the state and the equality of all religions before the law. None of the religious organizations existing in Ukraine can be given any advantages or the priority of a certain religion can be recognized, since all religions, confessions and religious organizations are equal before the law. It is also noted that the legislation of Ukraine does not provide for any privileges or restrictions for religious organizations that are distinguished by the length of existence of a particular denomination (historical past), traditionality (compliance with the cultural traditions of the nation), the number of religious organizations, its contribution to the development of statehood, culture, etc. Certain restrictions may be applied only in cases where religious activity comes into controversy with the current legislation and poses a threat to public safety or order, physical or mental health of citizens, morality, that is, the fundamental rights and freedoms of other persons. The definition of the principle of legal equality of religious organizations is determined, which consists in: the equality of rights of all religious organizations that operate on legal grounds in Ukraine; the equality of legal properties within the framework of which religious organizations carry out their activities; equality before the law and the court. The establishment of any advantages or restrictions of a religious organization over others is not allowed. It is concluded that Ukraine already has a positive achievement in the establishment of European standardization of legal regulation of socio-religious relations in Ukraine, but along with positive changes there are a number of organizational, regulatory, procedural and other issues that hinder the implementation of the principle of equality of religious organizations. Therefore, in the context of the modern religious situation, which is characterized by states of contact, collision and conflict, the need to codify the legislation of Ukraine in the field of religion becomes of particular importance.