President of Estonia Rejects Amendments to the Church Law Due to Unconstitutionality

The President of Estonia, Alar Karis, refused to sign the amendments to the Church and Religious Communities Law, stating that they contradict the Constitution of the country. He emphasized that the proposed changes restrict the freedom of associations and religious beliefs, which is a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms. This was reported by Delfi.ee.

«The amendment that limits external relations may lead to legal attempts and create precedents for restricting the activities of all associations, including political parties,» Karis noted. He added that even if the issue of religious trips to Russia were not mentioned, the Estonian authorities would still have found another reason to pressure religious communities.

Karis pointed out that the existing means of controlling the activities of religious organizations in Estonia are already sufficient and should be used more effectively. «The problem is not the lack of legal tools, but their improper application,» explained the President.

He also highlighted that, according to the Penal Code, Estonia already has laws that allow for the investigation and punishment of activities that threaten national security, including propaganda, spreading disinformation, and other threats from foreign states.

Karis added that the Constitution guarantees religious communities greater protection than other organizations, and therefore the imposition of broad bans on external relations could lead to unpredictable consequences for the freedom of associations and even political parties.

The President urged the parliament, the Riigikogu, to reconsider the legislation and bring it into line with the Constitution, emphasizing the need for clear and justified measures to ensure national security without violating fundamental human rights.

It should be noted that on April 9, 2025, the Parliament of Estonia voted in the third and final reading to amend the Church and Parish Law, with the ultimate goal of limiting the activities of the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church. Once this law comes into effect, the EOC will be encouraged to sever its ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and unite with the local diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Estonia.