Registered Partnership Act: Riigikogu rejects repeal, EKRE to file for another
The Riigikogu voted to drop a motion to repeal the Registered Partnership Act on Tuesday. The opposition Estonian Conservative People's Party (EKRE) announced the same afternoon that they’ll submit another bill to repeal act.
One of the members of parliament to comment on the proceedings was Jaanus Karilaid (Center). He said before the vote that the Registered Partnership Act had to be repealed because it was splitting society too much, and needed to be voted down.
"Only after that can we move on to the more important topics for society, which are restoring economic growth, the capability to defend ourselves independently, and the reduction of the poverty risk. Today we’ll see which of our parties keep their face turned toward the people, and who considers the will of the people to be insignificant," Karilaid said.
Martin Helme, chairman of EKRE’s parliamentary party, said that never before had Estonia witnessed as much public indignation as during the forcing of the Registered Partnership Act by the Riigikogu.
“The repeal of the Registered Partnership Act would have helped the coalition rehabilitate itself. Unfortunately this opportunity was left unused," Helme said. He said it was unfortunate that the Free Party had changed sides and made a deal with the Reform Party and the Social Democrats.
Helme also said that Tuesday's vote showed that the coalition was lacking the 51 votes necessary to pass the implementing provisions of the Registered Partnership Act, as the pro camp on Tuesday was made up of just 41 votes.
EKRE will make another attempt at getting the Registered Partnership Act repealed, Helme announced.
Editor: Editor: Dario Cavegn