A Finnish lawmaker has been convicted of “hate speech” for promoting biblical teachings that homosexuality and same-sex marriage are sinful, according to a ruling by Finland’s Supreme Court. The court found parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola guilty under Finland’s code outlawing “war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Räsänen, who has served in the Finnish parliament since 1995 and previously held roles as interior minister and chairwoman of the Christian Democrats, authored a pamphlet in 2004 expressing the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland’s long-standing beliefs on homosexuality. In 2019, she criticized her church’s participation in Helsinki Pride celebrations, writing that the church’s doctrine conflicted with the event and citing Romans 1:24-27.
The Supreme Court ruled that Räsänen and Pohjola were guilty for making available opinions that insult homosexuals as a group based on sexual orientation. However, the court characterized the offense as “not particularly serious” because it did not incite violence or threaten hatred. The ruling mandated fines of several thousands of euros and required the destruction of the pamphlet and related online content.
Räsänen described the decision as “shocking and profoundly disappointing,” stating she would appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. She emphasized that the case represents a critical test for free speech in Finland.