According to Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets, the primary objective of the draft is to protect Estonia's religious life and freedom of religion. “For religious freedom to exist, it is essential that religious organisations—and, as a result, also clergy or believers—cannot be used for the purposes of any hostile political agenda,” Läänemets said. Läänemets further stated that maintaining the health and integrity of religious life in a country that respects religious freedom is critical. “To keep our religious life healthy and intact, it is vital that religion is not politicised by hostile foreign agents—whether it’s a hostile state or a radicalised foreign organisation,” he added. For this reason, several provisions in the draft law are being clarified to prevent religious organisations from being used to incite hatred or violence against other nationalities, faiths, or cultural communities. “The draft law sets out clearer expectations and a legal framework for religious life, helping to mitigate potential security risks, both now and in the future. There is no reason for the state to interfere in the activities of law-abiding churches and congregations,” Läänemets concluded.
Additional Requirements for Religious Organisations and Faith-Based Entities
Under the draft law, churches, congregations, congregational unions, and monasteries must not be guided by foreign individuals, institutions, or organisations, nor be constitutionally or doctrinally connected to such entities if they pose a threat to Estonia’s public or constitutional order, support military aggression, or incite war, terrorism, or any form of violence. Moreover, such entities shall not be granted the right to participate in decision-making processes related to the governing documents of religious organisations.
Requirements for Members of the Governing Body and Clergy
The draft law specifies that a member of the governing body cannot be a person whose activities have been directed against the Estonian state and its security or who poses a threat to public or constitutional order. Additionally, a person who has been denied a visa or residence permit, or whose visa has been revoked on security grounds, cannot be a member of the governing body. “People whom we do not wish to admit to our country cannot be allowed to lead religious organisations here either,” Läänemets stated.
The draft law also introduces updates to the responsibilities of registrars and clarifies the requirements related to the names of religious organisations. The name must clearly differ from those of already registered organisations and must not be misleading regarding the purpose, scope, or legal form of the organisation. Furthermore, the draft law addresses the issue of unauthorised use of religious titles.
Opinions and feedback on the draft law are expected from ministries, the Estonian Council of Churches, and other relevant organisations by 13 November.
