Parliament Split over Copyright Fees for Church Music

If the proposal is passed in the second reading, it will still have to be voted on by the next Parliament; the Parliament's Constitution Committee felt that the proposal had implications for religious freedom, and therefore required the procedure of a constitutional amendment for passage.

The issue was debated during a broader debate over proposals for changes to copyright legislation.

Supporters of the proposal say that the aim of the bill is to treat producers of religious music equally, and to encourage the composition of new hymns. Most hymns performed at Finnish churches are hundreds of years old.

Under present law, churches pay copyright fees for church concerts.