More than half of Russians are against interference of the church and state in each other’s affairs

On May 20, 2013, the Levada Center published the results of the April 19-22, 2013 poll "Russians about Pussy Riot and Churches.

57% of respondents believe that state and church should not interfere in each other's affairs, 30% hold the opposite point of view, and 14% found it difficult to answer.

42% are sure that the state should punish for insulting shrines and religious feelings. 22% believe that the church should take care of this, and 23% suggest leaving the punishment to God's discretion.

56% of respondents believe that Members of the group "Pussy Riot" received a punishment adequate to the act. 26% consider the punishment excessive. Only 9% think that such actions should not be prosecuted. Another 9% found it difficult to answer the question.

Sources

• Russians about Pussy Riot and the Church // Levada Center. 2013. May 20.