Estonian President Rejects Controversial Church Law for Second Time, Citing Persistent Constitutional Flaws

OCP News Service – 04/07/2025

Tallinn- Estonia: Estonian President Alar Karis on Thursday, July 3, 2025, refused to promulgate amendments to the Churches and Congregations Act for the second time, declining to sign legislation aimed at preventing foreign influence on religious organizations. This bill, if enacted, would effectively ban the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (err.ee, July 4, 2025).

The President stated that the changes made by the Riigikogu (Parliament) were insufficient to address the constitutional concerns he had previously raised. The Parliament originally passed the legislation in its third reading in April, prompting Karis to refuse promulgation later that month. In June, an amended version was adopted by Parliament, which the President has now rejected again (err.ee, July 4, 2025).

“The Riigikogu has indeed amended the text of the Churches and Congregations Act somewhat, but not sufficiently. It still conflicts with three articles of the Constitution and disproportionately restricts freedom of association and freedom of religion,” President Karis stated (err.ee, July 4, 2025).

Karis argued that while countering foreign influence is a legitimate goal, the law requires “a clearer definition of the foreign ties that are actually dangerous.” He also pointed out that the explanatory memorandum explicitly indicates an intention to regulate Church teachings and religious rites beyond administrative relationships, deeming such extensive interference unnecessary (err.ee, July 4, 2025).

The Riigikogu must now decide whether to amend the law for a second time. Should Parliament pass the legislation again without further changes, the President indicated he would likely refer it to the Supreme Court (err.ee, July 4, 2025).

In response to the President’s decision, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church issued a statement thanking President Karis for his “consistent and principled position” regarding the Church legislation amendments. The Church expressed hope that Parliament would abandon these “unconstitutional changes” and cease further attempts to discuss them, asserting that the amendments are “objectively in conflict with the Constitution.” The statement emphasized the Church’s identity as an autonomous religious association operating in Estonia that adheres to the country’s laws and values, particularly religious freedom.

The Church’s statement concluded by thanking “all Orthodox believers for their unwavering faith, prayers, patience and trust,” and extended gratitude to “all who have dared to publicly stand up in defense of our Church, despite the information campaign directed against the Church,” noting that “these prayers together with moral support give us strength to stand for ecclesiastical truth and constitutional rights.”

Source:

OCP News Service