Estonian President again criticizes "church law" as unconstitutional

President of Estonia Alar Karis. Photo: Screenshot of err.ee video

Estonian President Alar Karis once again criticized the law “On Churches and Parishes,” aimed at banning the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC). In his speech at the opening of the Riigikogu’s autumn session, the head of state said that the law must comply with the requirements of the Constitution, reports ERR.EE.

“The law on churches and communities should also focus on the means as they are actually set out in the law, and not only on the overall goal. I have concentrated on the question of which part of this law truly contributes to protecting Estonia’s security, and which does not. If we ask this question of any other law – whether it is about climate or data protection – why should we ignore it here?” Alar Karis emphasized.

He noted that the matter concerns “not only the safeguarding of fundamental rights, but also a serious approach to the stated goal and the assessment of the law’s provisions in light of that goal.” “This is directly required by our Constitution,” the President of Estonia concluded.

As the UOJ reported, the President of Estonia has several times refused to sign the law adopted by parliament amending the Law on Churches and Parishes. He has returned the bill to the Estonian Parliament for revision and alignment with the Constitution.

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