First reading of the Bill for the Amendment of the Vital Statistics Registration Act (106 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Date: 2024-01-11 12:01
Total Speeches: 108
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 2h 2m
AI Summaries: 108/108 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The Riigikogu debate focused on the first reading of Draft Act 106, initiated by Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid, concerning amendments to the Vital Statistics Registration Act. The purpose of the draft act was to eliminate a legal gap that forces parents of children born at home or outside a healthcare institution to undergo an unreasonably burdensome and humiliating procedure, including DNA expertise and court proceedings, in order to register the child's birth. The initiator proposed a solution where a family doctor could issue a birth certificate in cases where the pregnancy had been monitored and there was no reasonable doubt regarding maternity.
Although representatives of both the opposition and the coalition acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and the need to solve it quickly during the debate, the leading committee (the Legal Affairs Committee) recommended rejecting the draft act. Committee representative Liisa-Ly Pakosta explained that the draft act was aimed at amending the wrong law and that the solution should come through a new draft act being prepared in cooperation between the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Justice, which has been promised to be submitted during the current session. The opposition sharply criticized the coalition's political stance, according to which all draft acts initiated by the opposition are automatically rejected, even if they address real and urgent social problems.
Decisions Made 1
Draft Law 106 (the Draft Act amending the Vital Statistics Registration Act) was rejected during its first reading (46 votes in favor, 20 against, with no abstentions) and consequently fell out of the legislative process.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was the initiator of the draft bill, Varro Vooglaid (EKRE, opposition), who presented the bill and answered 15 questions in detail. He stressed that this is a real problem concerning human dignity, the resolution of which should not be an ideological issue. Vooglaid sharply criticized the current system, which forces mothers into humiliating DNA tests and court proceedings, and accused the coalition of unjustifiably rejecting opposition bills.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar opens the agenda and announces that the first item is the first reading of Draft Act 106 on amendments to the Act on Registration of Vital Statistics Procedures, initiated by Riigikogu member Varro Vooglaid, and invites Varro Vooglaid to present the report.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that the draft legislation amending the Vital Statistics Act aims to put an end to the situation where children born at home or elsewhere cannot be registered without DNA testing and court intervention. He added that the bill would allow a family doctor to issue the necessary certificate for registration. Vooglaid made these remarks while referencing the 2022 decision of the Tallinn Administrative Court and called upon the coalition and the government to find a genuine solution that focuses on the best interests of the child and the dignified treatment of parents.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanked the presenter, said that there were questions, and that Martin Helme would be the first to ask.
Martin Helme
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Martin Helme is criticizing the government for submitting legislation without impact, state budget, or demographic analyses, noting that the bills were rejected due to a lack of development expenditures, and he is asking what the officials on the committee had to say.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stressed that the committee is facing a problem that genuinely needs to be solved, and that the solution must respect human dignity. He also warned that any proposed solution must not create new issues, such as people refusing DNA testing or imposing restrictions on home births.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks [the previous speaker/assembly] and invites Jaak Valge to take the floor.
Jaak Valge
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Jaak Valge asks if there is an ideological reason behind this delay, pointing out that the problem has already been addressed for over two years, and the rejection of the draft bill sounds like the standard argument that the government should find the solution itself.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid argues that the current arrangement is ideological, not practical, because it attempts to steer families toward choosing home birth and make the decision-making process regarding childbirth uncomfortable. He simultaneously stresses that state authorities should operate based on the presumption of honesty and the principle of trust, instead of creating reasonable suspicion before any evidence has been submitted.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman asks Valdo Randpere to come and speak.
Valdo Randpere
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Valdo Randpere posed a two-part question concerning the draft bill: in the first part, he asked whether EKRE's skepticism regarding the legalization of surrogacy was justified, and in the second part, what EKRE actually planned to do with the bill—vote in favor, vote against, or propose amendments—and he requested that EKRE members issue a declaration regarding every bill.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid said that the threat of human trafficking in Estonia is more theoretical than a genuinely existing problem, and that legislation should only react when serious problems emerge, while preserving people's freedom and imposing restrictions only when necessary. He added that he does not see any desire for obstruction and that a solution to the problem must be sought quickly.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar addresses Tanel Kiik with a request.
Tanel Kiik
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Tanel Kiik commends the EKRE faction for raising the topical issue and asks if they are prepared to actively contribute their input should the government introduce its own bill, so that the problem can finally be solved comprehensively.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid thanks them for the kind words, confirms his readiness to speak both personally and on behalf of the parliamentary group, and notes that, as a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, he has sought to contribute to the discussion on all government bills, highlighting shortcomings and assisting with amendments, and sees no reason why that should change.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called on Rene Koke to speak.
AI Summary
Rene Kokk claims that the coalition's opposition to the bill reducing child benefits stems from an ideological problem. He emphasizes the seriousness of families being put through the wringer and humiliated, and calls on everyone to support the bill so that a solution can be found together. He also asks whether the state and the Ministry of Social Affairs will soon offer solutions.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid says he doesn't know what steps the ministries have taken regarding this issue. He hopes that if the bill doesn't find support, something will be done, but he isn't very optimistic about it, emphasizing that *Pealtnägija* has been drawing attention to the problem for over two years. He adds that if the ministries had wanted to respond, they would have done so sooner, which is why greater pressure is needed.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The next questioner is Karmen Joller.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Karmen Joller emphasized that home birthing is not prohibited in Estonia, and that the matter has been carefully discussed at the societal, administrative, and medical levels. She noted that, at the request of parents, safe methods have been established for bringing the delivery home. However, she criticized the draft bill, which requires a family doctor to certify something they have neither seen nor know about. She then questioned whether this requirement should also apply to the issuing of driving licenses or gun permits, and whether family doctors had been consulted regarding this proposal.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that if the pregnancy is supported by documented information and the woman has visited a doctor or hospital, people should not be humiliated by excessive checks, but in the event of reasonable suspicion, the necessary steps must be taken to resolve those doubts.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar called Kalle Grünthal to the stage.
Kalle Grünthal
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Grünthal points out that home birth is not banned in Estonia, and comments on the draft legislation that mandates the family physician to confirm the birth. However, he suggests that if the doctor has doubts regarding the verifiability, the burden of proof should fall to them, and that family doctors and the government should be included in the next procedural stage to share ideas.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid said that after the conclusion of the first reading of the draft bill, interest groups must be involved and amendments should be discussed during the second reading, including a solution where DNA testing and recourse to court would be used if necessary. However, he emphasized that everything that is not forbidden should be allowed, and sanctions must not be imposed or people's lives made uncomfortable. Furthermore, he defends the choice of home birth as a natural option, arguing that pregnancy is not a disease and childbirth does not have to take place only in a hospital.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Urve Tiidus to the stage.
Urve Tiidus
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Urve Tiidus pointed out that while the men’s discussion about the complexity of childbirth and the necessity of professional assistance was endearing in a way, she posed two questions: first, is there more statistical data on similar incidents, and second, what risks are involved when not everyone in the world is honest and law-abiding.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid explains that he has not discussed the complexity of childbirth, mentions that the SAPTK legal center has assisted several families, and emphasizes that the foundation of a state governed by the rule of law must be the presumption of people's honesty, not the assumption that everyone is cheating.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar invites Martin Helme to take the floor.
Martin Helme
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Martin Helme expressed criticism against liberal rhetoric and the state’s increasing intervention, recalling the closure of maternity hospitals and the “my body, my choice” debate, and claiming that the state is declaring children its own and forcing parents to prove their parenthood.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid notes that he lacks statistics, and he assumes that there have been no reports of newborn babies being stolen in Estonia or neighboring countries over the last 20 years. However, he simultaneously stresses that state laws should put an end to the humiliation of women and the disrespect of their dignity, and that women, especially mothers, must be treated respectfully.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Andre Hanimägi to speak.
Andre Hanimägi
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Andre Hanimägi supported the discussion, inquired about the draft bill, and stated that if the ambulance arrives within a certain timeframe, the child's standard registration is possible. He requested clarification and asked for consideration as to whether, based on health interests, the mother and child should also be monitored during a specific time period.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that while a standard could be established to confirm the child's health—requiring a medical birth certificate to be presented to the family doctor or maternity hospital within a reasonable timeframe—women should not be monitored by ambulance staff during labor, as this is undignified. He added that an alternative option is for the ambulance to be present at the moment of birth, provided it is feasible.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas addresses Mart Maastik and asks him to come forward.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Maastik stressed that today's draft bill requires discussion, and everyone should continue cooperating in a constructive spirit, avoiding verbal sparring and accusations. Questions will be debated between readings, and he/she also posed a specific question: how long should a woman who gives birth at home remain under the care of a registered medical professional?
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid emphasized that in order to improve parliamentary culture, draft legislation presented by the opposition must not be immediately tossed aside. Instead, these bills should be discussed, supplemented during the second reading if necessary, and the focus should be placed on proposals that genuinely seek solutions, involving the participation of experts.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas calls upon Priit Sibul to take the floor.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul stated that although the solution is not ideal, it is reasonable to believe that even one humiliated family or woman is one too many, and this problem must be solved. He then posed the question that led to the demand for DNA testing: was this a legal issue, or did the legislator simply want to proceed in this manner?
Varro Vooglaid
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Vooglaid speculates that these laws were deliberately made so inconvenient that people would abandon home births and remain unvaccinated, just like the situation with COVID-19 vaccination, and cites the example of Prangli Island regarding practical issues with ambulance availability, which is inconsistent with the principle of vaccine freedom.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Irja Lutsar to take the floor.
Irja Lutsar
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Irja Lutsar explained that there is no need to call an ambulance for the delivery; one can call even after the birth. The ambulance worker can provide a certificate confirming that the child was born at home, and if an ambulance is called before the birth, it will likely result in the woman being taken to the hospital—this is the existing protocol that Andre mentioned.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid highlights that the role of the ambulance service and the limits of mother-baby registration are vague, threatening the inviolability of private life. He emphasizes that transport to the hospital is only sensible if the mother actually wants to give birth in a hospital setting.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas calls upon Kalle Grünthal to speak.
Kalle Grünthal
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Grünthal said that the opposition has often supported the government's bills, and that the issue is not one between the coalition and the opposition, but rather affects people in real life. He asked them to reach a consensus and move the bill to the second reading.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid emphasizes that their faction clearly distinguishes between the government’s political bills and those intended simply for administrative tidying or correcting errors. He maintains that unless it constitutes direct political conflict, there is no reason to vote against the measures or exclude them from the legislative process.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas invites Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart to take the floor.
Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart
Profiling Eesti Keskerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presenter emphasized that this legal loophole is very significant, and officials, together with the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice, are attempting to find a solution. However, an example drawn from a healthcare provider's birth certificate and case law, where the application regarding maternal parentage was not accepted for processing, demonstrates a lack of documentation and raises the question of which administrative domain this falls under. This confirms that the ministries are unable to reach an agreement among themselves, leading once again to an administrative standoff.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid highlights an inhumane regulation due to which children born at home lack a personal identification code and official state status, meaning they do not exist in state databases. This situation is humiliating and requires cooperation between ministries to find a solution.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Chairman Jüri Ratas makes a short request to Tanel Kiik.
Tanel Kiik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Tanel Kiik clarifies the question concerning the certification of birth when a child is born at home and a healthcare professional must later assess whether they can certify that the specific child was born by that mother, and asks whether responsibility cannot be assumed in some cases.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stated that mandatory post-birth examination should not be required for home births if the mother's pregnancy was medically monitored. However, if the pregnancy was not monitored, evidence-based mechanisms are necessary, and the draft bill should be amended.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Evelin Poolamets is called upon to speak.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Evelin Poolamets suggests that women who required legal aid to establish maternity following a home birth may not be aware that a DNA-based process for proving motherhood exists. She then questions whether they might have behaved differently, for example, by calling an ambulance.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid acknowledged that many families were unaware of the obligation to undergo a DNA test for the establishment of maternity, and have filed lawsuits to challenge the legality of this requirement, given that the courts have confirmed that such a demand is not lawful.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Chair invited Karmen Joller to speak.
Karmen Joller
AI Summary
Karmen Joller stresses that, in addition to parental rights, particular attention must be paid to the child's interests during the birth and registration process, ensuring their safety, healthcare, and education.
Varro Vooglaid
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The speech emphasizes that the understanding of dignity varies, and for some, adhering to degrading norms is such a significant issue that they refuse to comply.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas said that after this question, there would no longer be a question-and-answer session here, and that the question had been asked, so now it was time for their answer.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid says that additional questions are continuously being put to him, and he cannot hear them.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas told the questioners that it can't be done that way.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid stresses that unless there is reasonable suspicion that a baby is not the mother's child, the state must not harass families, because security is not an absolute consideration, and it is vital to weigh human dignity alongside other factors.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas addresses Rain Epler and asks him for something.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler points out that doctors perceive various nuances when evaluating the risks of childbirth, and the medical system tends to steer people toward hospital delivery. He then asks Varro what the doctors' perspective is on this matter.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid notes that although there is no provision in the laws prohibiting the issuance of a certificate if the mother and baby meet the requirements and the data matches, it is common practice in hospitals not to issue the certificate if the mother was not present on site. This indicates that the problem lies in attitude and interpretation practices, not in the legal statutes themselves.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Riigikogu Vice-President Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, announced that the questions had concluded, and asked Liisa-Ly Pakosta, a member of the Legal Affairs Committee, to present her report at the rostrum.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that, in light of the Ukrainian President's visit, unity must be emphasized, and the resolution of the legal question concerning childbirth should be swiftly directed to the Social Affairs Committee, not the Legal Affairs Committee. This is necessary to protect the rights of mothers and children and keep ideology out of the discussion, while awaiting a solution during the third session.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, announced that there were questions, and invited Rain Epler to respond.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler emphasizes his support for the content of the draft bill, praising the inclusion of the background information and opinion, and referring to the management board's decision. However, he recommends gathering input from other committees before proceeding further, specifically to discuss the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and related topics.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that she was only commenting on the previous debate and that the Legal Affairs Committee had exceeded its jurisdiction. Therefore, it is correct and rational to address the draft act's amendments within the Social Affairs Committee, and there is no need to involve two committees. The Riigikogu Board did not assign this incorrectly; in fact, a completely different law needs to be amended, the jurisdiction for which belongs to the Social Affairs Committee, given that the work of the Riigikogu is based on competence.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas expressed his thanks and explained that the break occurred due to the need for additional information, and invited Kalle Grünthal to ask a procedural question.
Kalle Grünthal
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Grünthal asked during the sitting whether the constitutional amendment has restricted the submission and deliberation of bills by members of parliament, given that this matter is already being handled by the ministry, and whether such a change has truly occurred.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas stated that neither the Constitution nor other laws have been amended in this regard.
Anti Allas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Anti Allas notes that the committee sees the problem and is ready to look for a solution, and asks whether the proposal to refer it to the Social Affairs Committee originated with him or another committee member.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that the debate should take place in the more competent Social Affairs Committee. The minister confirmed that the draft legislation will reach the house during the third session and will then proceed directly to the Social Affairs Committee, even though the issue of equality—which normally falls under the purview of the Constitutional Committee—has already been reviewed by the Legal Affairs Committee.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Varro Vooglaid is requested to come to the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid thanked the presiding officer of the session but asserted that the bill had been assigned to the wrong committee. He emphasized that, in his assessment, amending the Act on the Registration of Civil Status belongs to the Social Affairs Committee, not the Legal Affairs Committee, and he criticized the arbitrary distribution of committees.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stressed that both parliament and its committees are competence-based, and decisions are reached through collaboration among experts. Furthermore, she noted that the necessity to amend the legislation arises from a medical issue, not from the Vital Statistics Act itself, and that, based on the government's stance, there is no trafficking of newborns in Estonia.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Arvo Aller is invited to the stage at the beginning of the address.
Arvo Aller
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Arvo Aller confirms that the structure of the parliament is competence-based and that EKRE is appointing its representatives to the committees. He then asks whether the Social Affairs Committee is the appropriate venue for discussing these steps, and whether a minister from a different sector should be responsible for amending the law in question.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
He/She emphasized that although the government is considering changes related to the Population Register, the problem does not lie in the register itself, but rather in how a newborn child obtains the necessary personal identification codes and documentation from the system, and how those are generated.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Vice-Speaker Jüri Ratas invited Mart Maastik to the stage.
Mart Maastik
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Mart Maastik criticizes the parliament's competence-based structure, raises the issue of baby trafficking, and asks why an ideology-laden bill is sent back during the first reading and why it doesn't proceed to the second reading regardless of the submitter.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stated that she had not claimed the draft legislation was loaded with ideology. Instead, she read out a quote reflecting the government's position, stressed that, according to the government's stance, there is no trafficking of newborns in Estonia, apologized for the confusion, and explained why we would not be discussing the matter further in the Legal Affairs Committee.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
During the speech, Varro Vooglaid was asked to come up onto the stage.
Varro Vooglaid
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Varro Vooglaid thanked the presiding officer and argued that the bill was intended to amend the Vital Statistics Registration Act and should have been immediately directed by the board to the Social Affairs Committee, not the Legal Affairs Committee. He then asked what exactly the opposition meant when they accused him of having ideological attitudes towards women, emphasizing that the current regulations and their interpretations are based on ideological attitudes.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stressed the importance of competence, arguing that voters and Riigikogu committees make expert decisions. She stated that the accusation of ideologizing the draft bill is unfounded, and furthermore, the question of civil status procedures and proof of paternity falls within the jurisdiction of the Social Affairs Committee, because actual documentation is required, not merely a record from the Population Register.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas turns to Evelin Poolamets and asks her for something.
Evelin Poolamets
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The speaker asks why men are not required to undergo DNA testing to prove paternity, and how this inconsistency, along with the principle of gender equality, would function in compliance with the requirements of the Population Register.
Liisa-Ly Pakosta
AI Summary
Liisa-Ly Pakosta stresses that, proceeding from the core principle of gender equality, the state must not implement different regulations for women and men. However, the current Family Law requires only the father's signature to confirm paternity, while maternity cannot be confirmed with a signature just as easily, which constitutes gender inequality.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas asks Rain Epler to present a procedural question.
Rain Epler
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Rain Epler asked Jüri whether the committee rapporteur should substantively read the draft legislation and grasp its intent, and whether the members of parliament are free in their mandate or are obligated to do so.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas said that he would not comment on the specific incident, emphasized that members of the Riigikogu at the podium must thoroughly review all bills and materials, and that there is no opportunity in the Riigikogu to clarify an answer to a question with an official, and noted that this did not pertain to the specific incident, opened the debate, and invited Helmen Kütt to the podium, where Kütt requested eight minutes of extra time.
Helmen Kütt
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Helmen Kütt describes the moment she left her glasses behind.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas calmly asked the speaker to approach, explaining that the time would only restart once they reached the podium, and to ensure no seconds were wasted, he requested that the clock be reset to eight minutes.
Helmen Kütt
Profiling Sotsiaaldemokraatliku Erakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Helmen Kütt emphasizes that the legal gap in birth registration arising after unassisted home births is a real problem that must be solved through cooperation between three ministries (the Ministries of Justice, Social Affairs, and Internal Affairs). She states that the Riigikogu Legal Affairs Committee will first discuss the matter via the first reading and a joint debate involving two committees, or they will wait until a solution drafted by the government is reached. She also thanks the initiator of the bill, Varro Vooglaid, and stresses that the child's interests must be prioritized.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker invited Anti Poolamets, the representative of the EKRE faction, to the rostrum.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets is criticizing the government's arrogance and the home birth regulations—which he attributes to a "gray zone"—arguing that they make life even more difficult for the most vulnerable people and fail to adequately acknowledge their specific situations. He cites the examples of Marit and Katrina.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas requests three minutes.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets argues that the closure of maternity wards in Southern Estonia endangers women and children and complicates access to medical care, stressing that hospitals must not be shut down and that 300 births should be the minimum threshold required for a maternity ward to be maintained in the region.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
He thanks the Chair and requests the floor be given to Mart Maastik, the representative of the Isamaa Party faction.
Mart Maastik
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Mart Maastik called for the draft bill to be resolved through cooperation between the coalition and the opposition, acting rationally and disregarding ideology, emphasizing that the problem exists and there is no time to waste, and urging them to show statesmanship.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas concludes the speeches, informs the assembly of the leading committee's proposal to reject Bill 106 at the first reading, and begins preparations for the vote, asking his colleagues to take a position and cast their vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The result was 46 votes in favor, 20 against, and zero abstentions; Draft Law 106 was rejected during the first reading and is removed from further consideration.
Kalle Grünthal
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Kalle Grünthal thanked the presiding officer of the session, noted the two-hour discussion which Varro Vooglaid had defended effectively, and informed the body that they needed to convene at 13:55 due to a guest. He then requested to know, citing the precise article or section, under which specific regulation this supplementary session was being held.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announced that today at 2:00 PM, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will deliver a speech as a foreign guest. This address is not an official Riigikogu session. He requested that everyone be present, if possible, by 1:55 PM.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Unfortunately, the full text of the speech is unavailable; please provide the entire speech so I can create an accurate one-sentence summary.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
We will definitely welcome the Speaker of the Riigikogu.
Anti Poolamets
Profiling Eesti Konservatiivse Rahvaerakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
Anti Poolamets expressed surprise as to why the visit was arranged outside the Riigikogu’s official session hours, and why the Ukrainian president was not welcomed at the beginning of the sitting, despite the fact that it would have been possible to commence proceedings at 10 o’clock.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas expressed his pleasure regarding the Ukrainian President's visit today, noting that the optimal time for the event is 2 PM. He asked everyone to be present five minutes prior to that time, concluding the session and wishing everyone success in their work.