Second reading of the draft law (469 SE) ratifying the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 4th sitting, plenary session
Date: 2024-10-24 00:17
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 61
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 57m
AI Summaries: 61/61 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu discussed, in the second reading, draft law 469, initiated by the Government of the Republic, on the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 – the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work. The draft law’s purpose is to bring Estonian legislation into compliance with an international obligation, but the discussion focused on questions, between the coalition and the opposition, about what the convention’s ratification actually entails for the state and how to account for the concepts of gender identity and social gender more broadly. Following the discussion held between the two readings, the committee decided to propose bringing the draft law to the agenda of the plenary session on October 23rd by consensus, to hold a final vote, and to approve the procedural documents.
In the second part, the discussion focused on the content of the text and how the convention and the recommendations surrounding it might affect Estonian law and the organization of businesses. Various speakers raised both pragmatic and ideological concerns regarding the legal framework of the concept of social gender and diversity. Finally, a final vote was taken, and the draft law concluded its discussion in the second reading, and the Riigikogu adopted it as law 469.
Decisions Made 3
It was decided to add the draft to the plenary session agenda on October 13th – by consensus. Secondly, to propose conducting the final vote on the draft – 4 in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention. And thirdly, to approve the draft's procedural documents.
The final vote proposal was confirmed; the result of the final vote on the draft: 4 in favor, 2 against, 1 abstention.
The Riigikogu passed the Act of Ratification of Bill 469 (final act).
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Helle-Moonika Helme (EKRE) – representing the right-wing party (EKRE). Her speeches and questions largely set the main course of discussion, and she clearly represented the opposition, frequently using sharp rhetoric and forms of critical assessment regarding the convention’s socio-political content.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
During the Riigikogu's second reading, the government-initiated bill to ratify ILO Convention No. 190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work (No. 469) is being discussed, with its report to be presented by Madis Timpson.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The first reading ended on September 25, no amendments were submitted, the commission discussed the impact of EU directives and the Gender Equality Act, and the minister was absent, and it was decided to bring the draft to the plenary agenda for October 23 by consensus, to hold a final vote and to approve the procedural documents.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi, vice-chairman, invited questions and asked Helle-Moonika Helme to pose a question.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In Helle-Moonika Helme's speech, the concepts of Article 1 of the Convention were discussed, and it was stressed that both biological and social sexes should be taken into account. In the committee, the topic of male and female genital organs was discussed, and questions were raised about the discussion and about personal opinions regarding different social sexes.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They thanked and said that at the first and second readings no questions were raised, and they keep their own opinion to themselves, because the co-rapporteur here speaks only about what was discussed in the committee, not their personal opinion.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller notes that no amendment proposals were submitted, and asks whether proposals could be made about the convention, which has been translated from English, or about the recommendation attached to it, since both versions are authentic (in English and French).
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller to speak.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson thanks and announces that this question was not discussed.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, invites Helle-Moonika Helme to speak.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme thanks the presenter, emphasizes the importance of respecting neutrality, but states that the committee protocol must record who said what and which objections were raised, and asks for the protocol to be opened more widely and to publish what was discussed on the topic of social gender and who spoke what.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
In our committee, the minutes of the meeting are prepared after the meeting and sent to everyone for approval, and I did not see the problem you mentioned, that it would be discussed in the committee.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked whether the committee discussed the topic of social gender and whether there is a note about it in the protocol, or whether he has any recollection of what the discussion was like and which arguments were heard.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This is a short plea to Rain Epler to come on stage.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He denies that he is seen less in the hall, asserts that he has not been absent, and notes that prior to the second reading this had not been discussed in the committee.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Varro Vooglaid to take the floor.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid expresses doubt about why Estonia should join this convention, highlights that the state can establish standards by laws, and demands from the chair of the Social Committee an explanation of what Estonia actually gains from joining.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They note that the addressee is wrong and that their task is to provide an overview in the committee of what was discussed prior to the second reading, because the topic did not come up there.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
This speech is a short prayer addressed to Kalle Grünthal.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal raised that the commission wanted to ratify the convention, but in our legislation these questions are already regulated, and he asked why there is a need to ratify this convention at all.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson said that Grünthal was not in the committee at the second reading; at the first reading questions arose and the minister answered them, and he believes that the minister's memory will not deceive me.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
At the start of the speech, Varro Vooglaid is invited on stage.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This speech asks whether the commission should discuss what benefits joining the convention could bring to the Republic of Estonia, and notes that the chair has thoroughly thought through this question and helps everyone better understand the potential benefits.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson said that the discussion was necessary and that it was carried out before the first reading, and the question raised between the two readings did not come up in this form, and he keeps his personal opinion to himself.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi invited Arvo Aller onto the stage.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Arvo Aller noted that the committee was unanimous, there were no proposals between the two readings, and the discussion was only brief, and he asked how many countries have joined the organization and how many have ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He emphasizes that at the final vote the proposal was not supported by everyone, and for the record he leaves the number of countries involved with it unanswered.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticized the presenter for an error in principle, asked whether he would express his personal opinion on the necessity of the convention, and asked him to explain to the Estonian people the topic of harassment based on social gender, adding that Tallinn is a modern city and that the people of Viljandi could also listen.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Timpson emphasizes that discussion is necessary when there are questions, and as a member of the Riigikogu he must raise them in the committee, but before the second reading this topic was not raised, and if he wants to tell Viljandi voters his personal opinion, he does so during the campaign.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, turned to Evelin Poolametsa and said "please".
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker notes that the draft seems unpleasant and asks what the committee's mood was — whether the members rejoiced at it, or whether there was the same unpleasant and anxious atmosphere prevailing there.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
He said that he did not leave the impression of an unpleasant draft, and the committee's stance would take shape during the vote, and he presented the voting results.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The speech is simply a request to invite Kert Kingo to speak.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
He asks whether the minister, while presenting the bill to the committee, said that it is only a formal process, and that upon its approval we will serve as an example to others.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
I answer from memory: the minister said that this example is in my memory, and this example remained with me as a mental image, but during the second reading it was no longer considered.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
He thanks and announces that there are no more questions.
Madis Timpson
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speech ends with thanks.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy chairman Toomas Kivimägi opened negotiations; Kert Kingo asked for extra time and received eight minutes.
Kert Kingo
AI Summary
Kert Kingo noted that the convention intended to prevent violence and harassment is primarily a formal step, and thereafter national legislative amendments are planned, including employers' obligations to promote gender equality and diversity, and EKRE does not support adopting the convention, because these obligations would be in force for ten years.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chair thanks and asks Arvo Aller to take the floor.
Arvo Aller
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Estonian Conservative People's Party does not support the presented draft bill because ratification of ILO Convention No. 469 is unnecessary, it would entail a burden of multilingual notices and trainings, and it endangers the preservation of the Estonian language and the constitutional principles of the state.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chair thanks and gives the floor to Kalle Grünthal.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal criticizes the state's convention that deals with social gender, notes that in school only the male sex and the female sex were taught, and asks deputy speaker Kivimäe whether he has learned something like social gender.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Toomas Kivimägi recalls that he went to school a long time ago, and back then there were no such things.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal criticizes the concept of social gender as an absurdity, uses provocative examples (a cat at work, the identity of a wolf or a lion), and expresses bewilderment and anger about how and whether it is taught in schools.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asked Anti Poolametsa.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets delivered a speech with a strongly conservative stance against the expansion of gender self-determination, criticized the political handling of the rights of transgender and non-binary people, and emphasized the preservation of human dignity, promising to leave the party if necessary.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi announces that the discussion will be extended by three more minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets states that he is no longer willing to accept the spread of immigration and Islamic norms in Estonia, emphasizes the protection of women's rights, and warns that if nothing is done, Europe may fall into the Middle Ages, and accuses the government and the Reform Party of this.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi thanked and asked Helle-Moonika Helme to take the floor.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
In her presentation, Helle-Moonika Helme emphasizes that Estonia could ratify the ILO Convention on the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the workplace, but she calls for a thorough critical review, because the document may contain gender-related themes and hidden content, and she stresses the need to protect the rights and dignity of women and men.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Toomas Kivimägi asks that three more minutes be allocated to the discussion.
Helle-Moonika Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helle-Moonika Helme claims that, in her view, the convention will not solve problematic issues, because laws addressing violence and harassment are already in place. She highlights the incidents that occurred in the Riigikogu chamber and the Ligi case, and states that her party does not support ratification, although the coalition is pushing it through.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-chairman, Toomas Kivimägi, thanks and asks Rain Epler.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler thanked the chair of the meeting for the opportunity to speak and noted that things don’t always go 100 percent that way, but today.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi said that it wasn't too much of an effort for him.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler believes that social gender is largely tied to identity, but its unlimited expansion could render the concept of harassment uncertain, threaten states' independent decision-making, and be linked to the woke agenda.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
The vice-speaker Toomas Kivimägi requests three more minutes.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler criticizes the UN's behavior and emphasizes that Estonia must be careful and not rush with ratification, while at the same time providing examples of the Russian regime and the topic of social gender that is making its way into science.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
Toomas Kivimägi thanked, closed the negotiations and said that no amendment proposals were submitted; the steering committee recommends bringing Bill 469 to a final vote, after which the ratification of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work will begin.
Aseesimees Toomas Kivimägi
AI Summary
In the Estonian Parliament, 47 voted in favor, 12 against and 1 abstained; Bill 469 has been enacted into law.