Draft law amending the Church and Religious Communities Act (570 SE) – second reading
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary session
Date: 2025-03-26 19:40
Total Speeches: 78
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 1h 40m
AI Summaries: 78/78 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The eighth item on the agenda was the second reading of the draft law amending the law on churches and congregations, initiated by the Republic's Government, bill number 570. The presenter was the chairman of the legal affairs committee, Andre Hanimägi, who outlined the process from the first reading to the completion of today’s second reading. Amendments were submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction and Members of the Riigikogu, Riina Solman and Priit Sibul; additionally, the Ministry of the Interior made editorial proposals. Public discussion initially took place in a preceding period with the council of churches, theologians, and experts, where constitutional compatibility, freedom of religion, and the issues of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Pühtitsa Monastery were discussed. The discussion then continued at the session, highlighting various nuances, including the question of how to implement the possibility of compulsory liquidation if a clergyman or organization does not meet the requirements stipulated by law. The activity was characterized by a broad-ranging discussion on the constitution, freedom of religion, and the boundaries of state power, and an attempt to find a balance between the interests of state security and human rights. Ultimately, procedural decisions were adopted and it was agreed that the second reading would be concluded today, and the bill will be presented to the plenary session on March 26th, with a final vote scheduled for April 9th.
Decisions Made 2
The Leading Committee's proposal to conclude the second reading in plenary session: adopted with the votes of 8 court or committee members and opposed by 2 members. The bill's second reading will be concluded today.
Proposal to add the draft to the plenary session agenda on March 26th and conduct the final vote on April 2nd: 8 members in favor, 2 against. The completion of the draft's second reading and the recording of final votes will continue in accordance with this decision.
Most Active Speaker
46afnYFUZKE is the most active speaker in this session. He is the chairman of the legal affairs committee (the committee's leader), and his role has been to lead the discussion and conduct the procedural actions. In terms of position, he is “other,” meaning a representative not directly associated with either the left- or right-wing political camp; his role demonstrates an official leadership position within the committee.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chair informed that today's agenda item is the second reading of the Government-initiated draft amendment to the Churches and Congregations Act, No. 570, and that the rapporteur is requested to be the chair of the Legal Committee, Andre Hanimägi.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The report describes the preparation for the second reading of the amendment to Bill 570 SE and the wide-ranging debate on the issues of freedom of religion, the constitution, and the Moscow Patriarchate, and states that the steering committee will conclude the second reading today, bring the bill to the plenary session agenda on March 26, and hold the final vote on April 9.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Arvo Aller thanked and informed that there are still questions, and asked Priit Sibul to answer.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul asks how the 16th amendment proposal is implemented in practice and what happens if a monastery or congregation does not amend its charter — does this lead to compulsory liquidation, or must someone else make it compliant with the law — and how it will actually start to operate.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This is also in the current law: the minister may propose compulsory liquidation, and that decision is brought before a court, where the court makes the final decision.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speech begins with a request to invite Varro Vooglaid to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid said that the public session was rather one-sided and not substantive or informative and did not deserve separate attention, and asked how a forced termination would actually look if the Moscow Patriarchate's Estonian Orthodox Church and the Pühtitsa Monastery did not agree to severing canonical ties, adding that he had repeatedly raised questions about this with his fellow party member Lauri Läänemets, but had not received an answer.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that at the public hearing all parties were involved and the topic is very complex, because it concerns rights and freedoms as well as the state's needs and expectations; the court will decide the legality of forced liquidation, and if it is legal, everyone must comply with the law, but no concrete action plan was offered in the event of noncompliance with the laws.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Priit Sibul onto the stage.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul discusses what the consequences are of dissolving or forcing termination of a nonprofit organization for the monastery's life and for arrangements under government contracts, and whether the recent court ruling and the renaming from the Moscow Patriarchate's Estonian Orthodox Church to the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church correspond to the aims they have set.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi noted that the draft imposes certain requirements on religious associations and clergy, that the Moscow Patriarchate and the renaming do not change its content, and that the question is rather whether there is a legal violation in the charter, which the court will ultimately decide.
Riina Solman
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Riina Solman expressed concern that a provision had been removed from the committee that would prohibit the church, congregations and related organs from being guided by persons or associations under the influence of a foreign state, referred to Päivi Räsänen's case, and asked whether this amendment to the law would open the door to similar cases.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller asks Riina Solman to come on stage.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi thanks for the question and says that, although his expertise in the given example may not be sufficient and he does not know all the nuances, a part related to the generally accepted principles of international law has been omitted for the sake of legal clarity, and its removal at your and the Ministry of the Interior's proposal will reduce the described threat.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They claim that the bill seems to be primarily aimed at the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, and they ask whether we are really changing laws for only one person or organization, as happened with Keit Kasemets's bill.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that the Moscow Patriarchate issue is the most painful in Estonia, and that organizations must not be guided by foreign clergy or higher leadership if that justifies war or threatens public order, and during the processing of the draft there have been broader discussions on radicalization topics and on other faiths and organizations.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Varro Vooglaidi to speak.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vooglaid emphasized that when implementing legislative amendments one must think through to the end the effects and consequences, asked what would be done in the case of forced closures of monasteries and churches, and urged not to yield to unjust directives and to consider whether a forceful closure would bring benefit or harm.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that in respect to this draft bill he does not see any constitutional or human rights infringement, emphasized that the question of the legality of the church's and monastery's activities ultimately rests with the court and that it can also be discussed before the European Court of Human Rights, and added that there are alternatives for changing jurisdiction or for forming it as a separate organization, but he does not intend to assume that there is an organization in Estonia that does not comply with the law.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov states that Orthodoxy is the same Christianity as Lutheranism and Catholicism, and is not warlike, and asks whether the law to be enacted does not violate the freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitution.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Vice-Chairman Arvo Aller invites Vladimir Arhipov onto the stage.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi said that this draft bill does not ban any religion in Estonia, and one must distinguish between a religion, the Orthodox tradition, and the organization, and the Russian Orthodox tradition can also be followed in the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They ask whether, after the committee's deliberations and the public session, it is clear what the Ministry of the Interior's claim against the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church is, noting that the church changed its name and administrative and legal documents on the ministry's recommendation.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The message "Your Time!" calls you to act and confirms that it is now your turn.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They ask exactly what the matter is and what is wrong.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Andre Hanimägi explains theologians' positions on the unity of the Russian Orthodox Church and the situation of the Estonian churches, and notes that nuns in Estonia are not a problem, but the draft focuses on topics of influence operations and the prohibitions against justifying terrorism and justifying war.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks Ants Froschi to come forward.
Ants Frosch
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They ask whether the passage of this law should be slowed down a little in light of the new situation.
Andre Hanimägi
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
This is ultimately the joint decision of the Riigikogu plenary; the committee rapporteur presents only the procedural decisions of the Legal Affairs Committee, the proposal is understandable, but this is the chamber's decision for today, and after the second reading and on the third reading the decision will remain in the chamber's hands.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller concludes the questions, opens the negotiations, and first invites Jaanus Karilaid to speak, while at the same time asking whether anyone would like to have extra time right away.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid is discussing extra time and asks whether it adds eight minutes right away or something like that.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller delivers an eight-minute speech on behalf of the Isamaa faction with authorization.
Jaanus Karilaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Jaanus Karilaid praises the Social Democrats for two things—the last-minute, statesmanlike move and the preparation to amend the constitution—emphasizes that religious freedom is not restricted and that the aim is to remove the Kremlin's puppet from under the Moscow Patriarchate's authority, taking into account Russia's aggression and the international context, and Isamaa supports the adoption of this bill.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller invited Alexander Chaplogin to take the floor.
Aleksandr Tšaplõgin
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
They accuse the government, led by the pink social-democratic party, of closing the Orthodox Church, and compare it to the Bolsheviks, emphasizing that there is no evidence of violations, and express pride in their grandfathers' independence struggle.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The speaker thanks the audience and asks that Varro Vooglaid speak next, and asks for three more minutes.
Varro Vooglaid
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Varro Vooglaid called the bill a real disgrace, accused it of emotionality and of disregarding the principles of the rule of law and freedom of religion, and stated that it would increase security threats rather than solve them, and proposed suspending the bill's second reading.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller invites Priit Sibul.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul says that he is asking for a bit more time just in case, but he thinks that it is not necessary.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks for three more minutes.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul said that the bill addresses the organization of the church and matters related to the Moscow Patriarchate, which are not within the Riigikogu's remit, and that cosmetic reform will not bring substantive results and may end in the discrediting of the state and the church.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
In the speech, thanks were expressed and Aleksei Jevgrafov was invited to speak.
Aleksei Jevgrafov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Aleksei Jevgrafov warned that the latest decisions will divide society and leave at least 150,000 people disenfranchised, stressed that passport color is not decisive and that what matters are the opportunities offered by the state, and urged the Riigikogu to work for a united, friendly and successful Estonia, rather than focusing on finding enemies among his own people.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman thanks and invites Vadim Belobrovtsev to perform.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Vadim Belobrovtsev claims that the Estonian government's interference in churches and the changing of the name and charter to detach from the Moscow Patriarchate violate the separation of church and state and freedom of religion, and are harassment, not assistance to improve the economy and the well-being of the population.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller requests three additional minutes.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev emphasizes that true freedom of religion is the freedom to believe whatever and wherever one wishes, and changing the law because of one church or congregation would encroach on that freedom, therefore the Centre Party faction does not support the bill and recommends halting the proceedings.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman thanked and invited Peeter Tali to speak.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
The vice-chairman Arvo Aller asks that three more minutes be given.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali asks the manager for three extra minutes, saying that it might be needed.
Peeter Tali
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Peeter Tali emphasizes in his speech that the Russian Orthodox Church is under Kremlin control and its influence in Estonia must be halted immediately, because Moscow Church activity divides the Estonians and pursues imperialist aims, and the Nevsky Cathedral must not remain under Kirill or under the Moscow Church's subordination, but must return to the Apostolic Orthodox Church and, first and foremost, to the Estonian state, which will be firmly brought about by the implementation of the Eesti 200 proposal.
Aseesimees Arvo Aller
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Arvo Aller thanks, asks Urmas Reinsalu to continue the speech, and asks for three more minutes.
Urmas Reinsalu
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Urmas Reinsalu said that Parliament has taken a decision on drawing a line regarding the voting rights of citizens of third countries and stateless persons, that an ambitious bill will be implemented aimed at reducing the influence of the Moscow Patriarchate, and Isamaa supported the termination of the second reading, emphasizing that the government must provide substantive answers in a crisis.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair thanked and invited Jaak Aab to the Riigikogu's speaking podium, who is to deliver a speech on behalf of the Social Democratic Party faction by virtue of authorization.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab stressed that the Riigikogu adopted a declaration regarding the Moscow Patriarchate as an institution that proclaims the Russian World and incites Russian aggression and military actions in Ukraine, and that such statements threaten the order of the Estonian state and freedom of religion, although the state does not punish believers, but stands for democratic values and international security.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Speaker Lauri Hussar requests three minutes of additional time.
AI Summary
Jaak Aab said that although cosmetic changes were made to the statutes, the substantive subordination of their congregations to the Moscow Patriarchate had not been changed (there is still a tomos there), therefore additional steps are necessary, and the bill’s aim is to prevent the propagation of foreign-led influence operations and incitement to hatred, and to ensure both security and freedom of religion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chairman Lauri Hussar thanked and gave Vadim Belobrovtsev the opportunity to respond, noting that in the negotiations the recently delivered speech mentioned the center faction's positions.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Belobrovtsev stressed that a concrete explanation of the threat to national security has not been obtained, and the Interior Minister's responses have been unreliable and have not convinced anyone of the existence of the threat.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Hussar declares the speaking requests closed, ends the negotiations and begins the consideration of the 17th amendment proposal, the first of which has been submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, and the Steering Committee recommends disregarding it; Vadim Belobrovtsev is asked to speak next.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They ask the listeners to vote for it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, announced that Amendment No. 1 to Bill 570 would be put to a vote, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction; the leading committee's position is to disregard it, and they were asked to take a stand and vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The amendment proposals received 8 votes in favor, 69 against and 1 abstention, and they did not receive support; the steering committee decided to fully take into account amendments Nos. 2–4 (including Riina Solman's No. 3), while the Centre Party faction's No. 5 proposal to leave it unconsidered.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They invite listeners to vote for it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair Lauri Hussar brings to a vote the amendment No. 5 submitted by the Centre Party faction, which the steering committee wishes to disregard.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Riigikogu voted for the amendment proposal with 9 in favor, 69 against, and no abstentions, and the proposal did not gain support; next, the sixth amendment proposal was presented by the Legal Committee, and the leading committee is of the opinion to take it fully into account; the seventh amendment proposal was submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, which the leading committee wishes to leave unconsidered; Vadim Belobrovtsev, please.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The speech calls on the audience to vote for it.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, put amendment proposal No. 7 submitted by the Centre Party faction to a vote and informed that the lead committee recommends disregarding it, asking colleagues to take a stand and vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, described the Riigikogu's proposed amendments voting results and the leading committee's positions: the 8th amendment received 8 votes in favor, 69 against, and 1 abstention; the 9th and 10th amendments will be taken into account in full; the 11th amendment will be left unconsidered; and finally, Vadim Belobrovtsev asked.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
They invite the audience to vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair, Lauri Hussar, calls the chamber to vote and puts Amendment No. 11 to a vote, which was submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, and the steering committee wishes it to be disregarded; asks to take a stand and vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Estonian Parliament decided that the proposal received 9 votes in favor, 69 against, and there were no abstentions, and it did not gain support; regarding amendments 12 through 16, the leading committee was given a position: to take fully into account; the 17th amendment proposal was left unconsidered, and finally Vadim Belobrovtsev was asked.
Vadim Belobrovtsev
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Please vote in favor of this; it is the final amendment proposal and the last opportunity to vote in favor.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The chair announces that the 17th amendment proposal, submitted by the Estonian Centre Party faction, will be put to a vote, and although the Steering Committee recommends disregarding it, he asks the assembly to take a stand and vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, informed that two factions (EKRE and the Centre Party) had submitted a bill No. 570 with an identical proposal to suspend the second reading, and he called for a vote.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Fifteen members of the Riigikogu supported the proposal, 69 were against, and there were no abstentions; therefore the proposal did not receive support; the second reading of Bill 570 has been completed and today’s session is over, and tomorrow at 10 a.m. we will gather in the plenary hall — have a peaceful evening!