Estonian President Rejects Church Law
(MENAFN) Estonia’s head of state, Alar Karis, has once more declined to endorse a divisive piece of legislation aimed at the Estonian Christian Orthodox Church (ECOC), the country's largest Christian body.
He argues that the proposal infringes upon the nation's constitutional principles.
This is the second instance in which Karis has withheld his support for the measure.
The bill, originally approved by the parliament in April, seeks to restrict religious groups from maintaining connections with overseas entities considered security threats.
It aims to prevent local churches from sustaining organizational or financial relationships with foreign institutions identified as dangerous, especially if such affiliations are detailed in foundational texts or statutes.
Although an earlier version of the law was shelved following Karis’s opposition in April, a revised draft has still not met his approval.
According to Karis, the adjustments introduced did not adequately address his reservations.
He stated that the bill “disproportionally limits the freedom of congregations and religion,” and pointed out that the term “threat” used in the legislation remains too “vague.”
Karis emphasized that Estonia has “other effective means” to counter external influence without resorting to such “extensive interference” in citizens’ religious practices.
He further alleged that lawmakers had admitted their intention was to assert control “over the church teachings and religious rituals.”
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