Estonian Parliament to bring church law into compliance with Constitution

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn. Photo: ERR

On May 4, 2025, the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) decided to revise the law on churches and parishes in light of remarks made by President Alar Karis, according to ERR.

MPs voted against re-adopting the law in its original form after the President had declined to approve it.

During the renewed discussion of the bill, representatives of the Constitutional and Legal Committees presented their reports. They proposed the necessary amendments following the President’s position to bring the law into compliance with the Constitution.

A deadline for submitting amendment proposals was set for May 28.

It is noted that the Riigikogu had adopted the law on April 9, which was intended to “create a legal basis for terminating the activities in Estonia of the Estonian Orthodox Church (formerly the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate), if it did not break its canonical ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.”

The President did not approve the law on April 24, stating that the restrictions it imposed on freedom of religion and association were not proportionate. He deemed it necessary for the Parliament to reconsider the law and ensure it complies with the Constitution.

As reported by UOJ, the Estonian Church thanked the President for defending constitutional rights.

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