Agenda Profile: Andre Hanimägi

The political stance expresses strong support for the draft legislation amending the Churches and Congregations Act (570 SE). This support emphasizes ensuring national security and preventing hostile influence operations channeled through religious associations. The position is fundamentally value-based, aiming to separate faith from politics and preclude direct subordination to the Moscow Patriarchate, given its support for Russian aggression. It affirms that the draft law applies equally to all faiths, even though security considerations remain the primary focus.

The speaker demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the procedural course of the draft bill within the Legal Affairs Committee, including the dates of the sessions, the participants, and the voting results. He/She relies on legal analysis, referencing Article 3, paragraph 1 of the Constitution and Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to justify the potential restriction of religious freedom on security grounds. Furthermore, he/she conveys explanations provided by theologians and advisors from the Ministry of the Interior concerning the historical and canonical correctness of the Orthodox Church in Estonia.

The rhetorical style is formal, explanatory, and informative, which suits the role of the commission's rapporteur. He/She uses a balanced approach, combining legal logic (referencing laws and protocols) with emotional reassurance, assuring the Orthodox faithful that they will not be condemned. The tone is serious and concerned, especially regarding the actions of Patriarch Kirill, which have created a complex situation.

Very active in legislative work, serving as the rapporteur for the Legal Committee and participating in multiple discussions on draft legislation (including the public session on February 10th and the preceding day). His/Her pattern of activity involves detailed reporting on the committee's work and recommending public debates (e.g., YouTube recordings) for a deeper understanding of the subject.

The primary opposition is aimed at the political influence operations of the Moscow Patriarchate and the actions of Patriarch Kirill, who is accused of co-opting Orthodoxy for political interests that support killing and the destruction of human lives. He also neutrally notes the commission members who voted against (Varro Vooglaid and Anastassia Kovalenko-Kõlvart), who were opposed to supporting the draft legislation.

The style of collaboration is inclusive, emphasizing extensive consultation with officials from the Ministry of the Interior, the Council of Churches, and theologians during the preparation of the draft bill. In the committee, he/she was appointed rapporteur by consensus, which indicates good procedural cooperation, although disagreements arose during the substantive vote.

The focus is on national security and the Estonian legal system, linking this to international law and the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate. Regionally, the Estonian Apostolic Orthodox Church and the Pühtitsa Convent are mentioned in connection with historical jurisdiction.

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The focus is on protecting religious freedom, asserting that the bill does not prohibit the Orthodox faith or condemn believers, but is instead aimed at addressing security threats. He/She emphasizes that religious freedom is not absolute and can be restricted in the interests of national security, seeking to dispel fears and confusion among the faithful.

The primary legislative focus is on the draft legislation amending the Churches and Congregations Act (Bill 570 SE), which aims to prevent religious associations from being guided by dangerous foreign ties in their statutes and economic dealings. He/She is a strong proponent and the rapporteur for the bill, explaining, among other things, the restrictions placed on board members and clergy, as well as the continued validity of the grounds for mandatory termination.