Estonian Parliament Amends Church Law Following Presidential Remarks

On Wednesday, May 14, the Estonian Parliament decided to revise the Law on Churches and Congregations in response to comments made by President Alar Karis. The resolution was supported by 85 out of 101 MPs, with none voting to adopt the law again without changes, according to Interfax.

According to procedure, MPs have until May 28 to submit their proposed amendments, which will then be reviewed in the standard legislative process.

The original version of the law, passed on April 9, banned religious organizations from operating if they are under significant influence from foreign entities, particularly when such ties pose a threat to Estonia’s security, constitutional order, or public safety.

The law was initiated by the government and is seen as targeting the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. Authorities demanded that the church sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, amend its charter and name, or risk being declared illegal, citing the ROC’s support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

President Alar Karis refused to sign the bill, arguing that several of its provisions contradicted the Estonian Constitution. He warned that restrictions on foreign ties could infringe on freedom of religion and association and could set a precedent for limiting the rights of other organizations, including political parties.

It is worth recalling that President Karis previously rejected the amendments to the Law on Churches and Religious Communities, stating they were unconstitutional. He emphasized that the proposed changes would restrict the freedom of association and religion, thereby violating fundamental rights and freedoms.