Estonia’s legislative body has approved a contentious bill targeting the nation’s largest Christian community, defying repeated warnings from President Alar Karis that the measure violates constitutional principles. The legislation, which prohibits religious organizations from maintaining ties with foreign entities classified as security risks, is widely perceived as directed at the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC).
The proposal initially gained approval in April but was twice rejected by Karis, who deemed it unconstitutional. On Wednesday, the Riigikogu passed the bill again, securing 63 votes in favor and 15 against. Under Estonian law, Karis must now either endorse the measure or forward it to the Supreme Court for a ruling on its legality.
The bill’s passage follows reports that the Moscow Patriarchate supported Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, according to local media. The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church, previously under Moscow’s jurisdiction, has asserted that its affiliations pose no threat. Last year, the church updated its charter to remove references to the patriarchate, though critics argue the changes fail to address underlying concerns.
The bill’s architect, former Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets, had previously warned of shutting down monasteries that refuse to sever connections and labeling the ROC as a terrorist group. The ROC has criticized the law as discriminatory against the 250,000 Orthodox adherents in Estonia, while Moscow has accused Tallinn of “legal nihilism.” Approximately 16% of Estonians identify as Orthodox, with 8% affiliating with Lutheranism. Russian speakers constitute about 27% of the population.
The law’s proponents argue it safeguards national security, but opponents warn of disproportionate consequences for religious minorities. As the debate intensifies, the fate of the legislation hinges on Karis’s next move, setting the stage for a potential constitutional showdown.