Agenda Profile: Anti Haugas
First Reading of the Draft Act Amending the Law Enforcement Act (163 SE)
2024-03-06
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The speaker strongly opposes banning the wearing of the burqa and niqab under the Public Order Act, deeming it unnecessary because Estonia lacks sufficient public fear and a large Muslim community. The political stance is value-based, focusing on protecting women from intimate partner violence, emphasizing that punitive measures should be a last resort. The position is moderately opposed to the bill’s proponents but aligns with the government’s view.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding incidents of intimate partner violence and social isolation, drawing upon eight years of experience as an auxiliary police officer. Furthermore, reference is made to international social trends, specifically instances where Muslim women in Western society voluntarily choose to abandon the burqa. This expertise is applied to favor social intervention (at the grassroots level) over legal prohibition.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is moderate and respectful, opening with the widely accepted value of respecting women. The speaker relies on logical arguments and personal experience (as a volunteer police officer) to analyze the social consequences, favoring this approach over emotional appeals. There is also a brief procedural note, delivered with humor.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The speaker refers to his everyday life as a father, moving through shopping centers and seeing a statistically significant number of people, alongside his previous eight years of active service as an auxiliary police officer. A procedural remark is also made, indicating his knowledge of the Riigikogu's (Estonian Parliament's) operational structure and protocols.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The primary opposition is aimed at the political solution (the ban) proposed by the bill's proponents, which is considered disproportionate and socially harmful, as it could further isolate women suffering from violence. The criticism is focused on the policy and the solution, not on individuals.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker is seeking consensus, emphasizing that all factions are united on the need to protect women. He supports the position held by the government and the other speaker (Eduard) that Estonia does not have a Muslim community large enough to cause public fear.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is directed towards Estonia's domestic situation, particularly the occurrence of intimate partner violence in every part of the country, noting that burqa wearers have not been observed in public spaces in Estonia. The international context is utilized through examples from Western society and France.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The primary social focus is on protecting women from intimate partner violence and strengthening the social system at the grassroots level. The speaker supports women's autonomy regarding clothing choices and prefers social intervention over punitive measures, in order to prevent the isolation of women suffering from violence.
3 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is currently centered on opposing Draft Bill 163 SE, which proposes amendments to the Law Enforcement Act regarding the prohibition of face coverings. The speaker opposes this bill and stresses the necessity of addressing social issues and strengthening support networks before resorting to punitive measures.
3 Speeches Analyzed