Pakosta said they hope to process the draft law by the end of this Riigikogu’s term. For swift processing, the draft should reach the Riigikogu by November at the latest.
Pakosta explained that there are many drafts being worked on in the ministry. She said this is normal and some things take a bit longer.
The minister added that the Gender Equality and Equal Opportunities Act will not change much in people’s lives. Because Paragraph 12 of the constitution already provides good protection against discrimination.
Pakosta did not discuss the content of the draft. She said the draft is still being prepared.
Earlier, the processing of the draft completed in 2024 was halted. The ministry commissioned the law firm Sorainen for a new view from the private sector. Pakosta did not show the draft materials to the public or the gender equality commissioner.
The minister justified the confidentiality of the documents by avoiding possible confusion. She referred to the Public Information Act, which allows such confidentiality.
Commissioner Christian Veske is skeptical about the speed of the process. He said there is no substantive information available about the draft.
Pakosta promised that the new draft will be presented to stakeholder groups for involvement. She said they are ready for cooperation.
Veske hopes that the stakeholder groups will be involved. He said that skipping the involvement circle would be a bad method.
At the end of 2024, Pakosta decided to halt and not send the draft to the government’s coordination circle. The draft’s aim was to merge two existing laws into one. Pakosta justified the halt with numerous criticisms and controversial feedback.