Agenda Profile: Helle-Moonika Helme
Interpellation regarding curriculum subjects concerning human sexuality and the associated rights of parents (No. 616)
2024-04-08
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The central theme is the consequences of adopting the law on the distortion of marriage (the marriage equality law) for the education system and child protection. The political position is strongly value-based and oppositional, emphasizing concerns about the LGBT community gaining access to educational institutions. The stance opposes the mandatory teaching of the law's spirit in schools, including private schools, which face the threat of losing funding.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates knowledge of the legislative framework and funding mechanisms for educational institutions, particularly concerning the potential loss of state funding for private schools should they fail to comply with the law. Expertise regarding parliamentary procedural rules is also presented, defending robust vocal expression within the chamber. To clarify procedural matters, comparisons are drawn with the parliamentary practices of other civilized nations (Finland, Canada).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The style is confrontational and directly interrogative, utilizing heavily loaded and value-laden language, such as "the law perverting marriage." The speaker employs a hypothetical extreme example (suicidality) to challenge the opposing party. However, the style is also procedural, defending loud self-expression in the chamber as permissible "floor-podium debating," which does not cross the boundaries of good taste.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
Not enough data
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The main criticism is aimed at the government's/minister's handling of law enforcement in educational institutions and the growing influence of the LGBT community around children. Procedurally, the presiding officer is criticized for being overly focused on maintaining order, thereby shielding the vocal opposition directed at the presenter. The criticism is intense and politically charged, employing negative terminology to describe the opposing side's actions.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker defends the right to voice loud opposition and debate from the floor whenever the presenter says something that is simply unacceptable. This suggests a rather confrontational style, where self-expression takes precedence over compromise. There is no information available regarding cooperation with colleagues.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The focus is on national legislation and its implementation in Estonian educational institutions. International comparisons (Finland, Canada) regarding parliamentary practices are mentioned, but local or regional focus is lacking.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic views are absent. The only thing mentioned is the threat of private schools losing funding due to non-compliance with the law, which constitutes a social and educational policy sanction.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The speaker adopts a strongly negative stance regarding the inclusion of LGBT+ topics within the education system, using the term "perversion of marriage." Concern is highlighted over the protection of children and the infringement of parental rights within educational institutions. The position is fundamentally moral and value-based.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The primary legislative focus is monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the Marriage Equality Act (which the speaker refers to as the "Marriage Perversion Act") within educational institutions. The speaker is a strong opponent of the law and demands clarification regarding the measures used to ensure compliance, particularly concerning the funding of private schools.
2 Speeches Analyzed