In a previously unimaginable historic step, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense in Kyiv has released an official statement voicing its support for passage of the pending Registered Civil Partnerships Bill which would legalize same-sex unions in the embattled Eastern European nation of forty-one million.
On the same day, the country’s Ministry of Justice additionally facilitated a major regulatory shift in clearing the bill’s advancement to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s 450-member unicameral body, for a first vote, greatly accelerating its pathway to law. Proponents of the bill, which is formally designated as Draft Law No. 9013, believe its passage could come as early as December, marking a monumental progression.
A Fight for Democracy & Equality Intertwined
While further parliamentary hurdles remain, these actions surprised many and highlighted a significant and rapid shift closer to Western Europe on LGBT rights and secularism during a time of war— both from within the government and more broadly across Ukrainian society at large.
Moreover, the actions reflect a notable divergence and ideological distinction from the increasingly negative realities LGBT face across the border in Russia. Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014 (also known as The Maidan Revolution) marked the first major post-Soviet break, and importantly facilitated both a direction and atmosphere where equal rights could progress.
“As our country pursues full independence from the seeds planted in 2014— and now during a time of war— we are weaving the fabric of our national identity which is based on love, freedom and equality,” noted Sofiia Lapina, Co-Founder and President ofUKRAINEPRIDE, one of the largest LGBT organizations in the country which now number more than thirty.
In War and Death Everyone is Equal
Since February’s full-scale invasion by Russia last year, Ukrainian society’s favorable view of the LGBT community and support for civil unions have expanded dramatically in the traditionally conservative, heavily Eastern European Orthodoxy where more than eight in ten identify as Christian. This dynamic is broad-based and being driven by several factors.
“War and death make everyone equal in Ukraine. We have been fighting for years and with the determination of individuals, NGOS, soldiers, and public figures, this is proof that our efforts are working and society is embracing these core universal principles we hold true—a stark contrast to Russia’s violence and oppression,” stated Lapina in an exclusive interview.
Gay Soldiers are Coming Out & Making an Impact
In autumn of 2018, a gay veteran of the Donbas Volunteer Battalion named Viktor Pylypenko came out publicly in a video entitled, “We Were Here.” After receiving support from his fellow service members, he went on to launch and currently headsUkraine’s Union of the LGBT Military which now includes over 400 members.
Beyond visibility and advocacy, the organization provides housing, medical, and employment aid to soldiers and veterans. Viktor has become a role model and his organization has played a vital role in fueling acceptance. The Union has made a strong argument for justice as LGBT soldiers have died for the country yet aren’t currently extended equal protection under the law.
A New Defense Minister with Eyes on NATO & EU Membership
President Zelensky and his government have become increasingly forward looking and supportive of protections for minorities and individuals. With the recent appointment of Rustem Umerov, a Muslim with Crimean Tatar origins, as Defense Minister last month, and three new deputy defense minister appointments, the President noted these changes centered on an “enhanced focus on the value attached to individual soldiers.”
Under President Zelensky’s initial martial law declaration from the war’s onset, all able men aged 18-60 have been prohibited from leaving the country and are required to serve in the armed forces if called. Thus, a majority of the country’s million plus active and reserve personnel are civilians.
Beyond affecting individual Ukrainians, the bill’s approval will ensure the country is closer to meeting certain legal thresholds which are required for NATO and EU membership applications. The bill’s provisions will enable LGBT couples to define mutual rights and obligations, issues of property ownership, inheritance, social protections, and rights in cases of death or disappearance of a partner. After obtaining a majority vote in Parliament, the law will become law with the signatures of the Head of Parliament and President.
Battlefield Outperformance & Now on Civil Rights
In Kyiv last month, a 24 year old gay soldier positioned on the eastern front lines operating FPV and Kamikaze drones confidently beamed— “We know we have already won but will not stop fighting until we have complete victory— for all of our homeland and for equal rights. You wait and see, in three years we will be ahead of the USA and the EU on civil rights too.”
Ukrainians have defied expectations on the battlefield through collective sacrifice and determination. With the recent surprising Ministry announcements, they also seem to be outperforming the expectations of many as it relates to the fight for civil rights as well.
To assist Ukrainian NGOs in need, please visit: UKRAINEPRIDE, Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ Military for Equal Rights,Fulcrum, LGBT Human Rights NASH SVIT Center
Steven Barrow Barlow is a writer and entrepreneur based in Berlin and Los Angeles, focusing on individual-centric stories along roads less traveled.