Ukrainian Rada Approves Civil Code Project In First Reading

The Verkhovna Rada approved a new civil code project in its first reading. The legislation includes a provision requiring a six-month reconciliation period for couples with children who seek divorce. The goal of the measure is to encourage reconciliation in families with children, though the project acknowledges the right of adults to separate. The code includes provisions prohibiting discrimination based on various characteristics, though it allows for certain rational exceptions. One example of a rational exception involves physiological limitations for specific roles, such as university students or pilots. The source noted that current physical reasons for such exceptions are not present in the discussed context. Speaker Stefanchuk expressed personal interest in ensuring the legislation is associated with his name. A large, closed working group spent several years drafting the extensive text. The project follows years of development by a dedicated group of officials. The code is expected to address various aspects of civil law and is now moving towards further parliamentary review or enactment. The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, approved the draft of a new civil code in the first reading in April. Deputies in Ukraine almost unanimously voted on a decision concerning the civil code.