A regional parliament in Russia’s Siberian city of Chita has decided not to tempt fate and put off a session scheduled for February 13.

Unanimity is not something the MPs can boast of, but this time all of them voted for canceling the meeting, not only because it was the 13th but also Friday: a horrifying combination even for the most fearless.

The bill at stake was the Charter of the whole Zabaikalye region that covers more than 400,000 square kilometres. So, the superstitious lawmakers thought it prudent to hold the important discussion on Wednesday, February 18.

Representatives of the Orthodox Church criticised them for the decision. “They are educated people and are so sensitive to such nonsense!” says hegumen Simeon. “In Russian tales there is not a single mentioning of Friday the 13th. It is the influence of Hollywood films.”

Locals, meanwhile, complain that the politicians could have simply declared Friday 13 a day off for the whole region.