Senators ready to take treaty with the Holy See to Constitutional Court

Eighteen senators who opposed the controversial treaty between Czechia and the Holy See are planning to file a complaint against it to the Constitutional Court. Senator Václav Láska from SEN 21 said the complaint will be filed if and when the treaty is ratified by the Chamber of Deputies, which is expected to vote on the document in March. According to many lawyers, the treaty is unbalanced in favour of the Papal See. They argue that its provisions on confessional secrecy could obstruct justice and shield abusers by extending secrecy to "pastoral workers," who can be designated by the Church without clear criteria. The document has been criticized by victims of sexual abuse.

The treaty, which was 20 years in the making, has already been approved by the government, signed by Prime Minister Petr Fiala and ratified by the Senate.