Finnish Christian MP ordered to appear before Supreme Court over Bible tweet about ‘hate crimes’

A Christian politician in Finland will face trial for a third time despite being twice convicted on charges of “hate speech” for sharing the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality.

In November, judges in Helsinki found “no reason” to overturn an earlier ruling that upheld Dr. Päivi Räsänen’s right to freedom of expression. But the country’s Supreme Court will now hear charges against her for expressing biblical sexual ethics in a 2019 tweet and a 2004 pamphlet. The prosecutor has chosen not to appeal a third charge based on comments on the radio.

The legal proceedings began in 2019, when the Finnish Attorney General claimed that the former Interior Minister’s statements were derogatory and discriminatory and may have violated the dignity of gay people.

Peace

The prosecutor is demanding censorship of her publications and tens of thousands of euros in fines, but Dr. Räsänen said she has a “peaceful spirit” and “will continue to defend freedom of expression and freedom of religion before the Supreme Court, and if necessary, also before the European Court of Human Rights”.

She says: ‘In my case, the investigation lasted almost five years and included untrue allegations, several lengthy police interrogations totaling more than thirteen hours, preparations for court hearings, the court hearing and a hearing at the Court of Appeal.

“This was not just about my opinion, but about everyone’s freedom of expression. I hope that with the Supreme Court’s ruling, others will not have to go through the same ordeal. I have considered it a privilege and an honor to defend freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right in a democratic state.”

‘Heresy’

Paul Coleman, executive director of Alliance Defending Freedom International, which supports her cause, said: “This is a turning point in the story of creeping censorship in Europe.”

He emphasized that “no one should be put on trial because of his faith” and this is “similar to a ‘heresy’ trial, where Christians are brought to court for holding beliefs that deviate from the approved orthodoxy of the time .

“The state’s insistence on continuing this prosecution after almost five long years, despite such clear and unanimous rulings from the lower courts, is alarming. In such cases, the trial is the punishment, resulting in a chill about freedom of expression for all citizens who observe.”

Bible

In 2019, the politician shared a photo of her open Bible in Romans 1:24-27, in response to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Finland’s decision to sponsor a local LGBT pride event.

She wrote, “How can the doctrinal foundation of the church, the Bible, be compatible with elevating shame and sin as objects of pride?”

Dr. Räsänen was investigated for the comments the same year, but formal prosecution did not begin until April 2021.