Estonia makes adjustments to the "anti-Orthodox" legislation: Lawmakers provide until May's end for potential revisions.
Tossing a spanner in the works yet again, the Estonian Parliament, popularly known as Riigikogu, is brewing up a fresh batch of proposed amendments for the Church and religious communities act. The upcoming deadline for submitting these changes stands firm at May 28, following a presidential veto over the initial proposal.
The instigator behind this veto is none other than President Alar Karis, who branded the initial law as unconstitutional and significantly limiting religious freedom. In a chat with Postimees newspaper, Karis pointed out the discrepancies between the law and articles 40, 48, and 11 of the Estonian constitution. He aired his views that the law unfairly curtails the freedom of association and religion.
Before this, the Riigikogu waved its magical wand, approving the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church's (EOCC) divorce from the Moscow Patriarchate during the third reading. Like a scorned lover, the EOCC wasn't too pleased with these dramatic change-ups, calling them a blatant violation of religious freedom. They even declared their intention to knock on the doors of international authorities for justice.
As the Estonian Parliament continues to work on the contentious draft law, the tension remains thick. The potential infringement on religious freedom and concerns about whether the law abides by both national and international legal norms cast a dark cloud over the proceedings. Even Moscow chimed in, decrying the legislation as unparalleled aggression and blatant legal nihilism, urging Estonia to cease religious discrimination.
The EOCC also signaled its intent to mount a legal battle, arguing that the law undermines the principles of individual responsibility and the freedom of religion. With a whirlwind of legal challenges on the horizon, it seems that the congressional saga has only just begun.
The President Alar Karis, following his presidential veto, has expressed concerns that the new policy-and-legislation regarding the Church and religious communities act may be unconstitutional and limiting religious freedom according to articles 40, 48, and 11 of the Estonian constitution. In the midst of ongoing politics and general-news, the Estonian Orthodox Christian Church (EOCC) continues to voice its disagreement with the proposed amendments, fearing infringement on religious freedom and potential religious discrimination.
