Page:Raymond Augustine McGowan - Bolshevism in Russia and America (1920).pdf/23

 Rh even the right to use the churches and hold pU8lic services in the hands of State officials, who, though despising religion, are advised not to be too severe.

Another law forbids "the teaching of religion in all State and public, as well as in private, educational establishments in which general subjects are taught." By virtue of this decree even parochial schools, such as we have in this country, are forbidden.

The Soviet laws on marriage and divorce give further ground for the charge that Socialism is opposed to Christian marriage and the home. The only valid marriage ceremony in Russia is a civil marriage; a religious marriage is not considered a marriage. Marriage is contracted by merely signing a statement that it is being contracted voluntarily and that no legal impediments are present. When the marriage is recorded, it is legally effective. The divorce law is in keeping with the kind of marriage allowed by the State. It is very lax. All that is necessary is for either the husband or wife to want a divorce. A divorce may be obtained through mutual consent by merely having a record of the divorce made. If only one of the parties wants a divorce, the local court gives it, and either at the time of the divorce or in a later civil suit decides on the care of the children. Alimony is allowed the wife if she cannot work.

These two laws lead to moral degeneracy. They give color to the old accusation against Socialism that it stands for "free love." The border of "free love" is reached in Bolshevik Russia.

From this, some idea of Bolshevism may be learned. Bolshevism is a kind of Socialism that considers it neces-