Finnish Free Speech Case Reaches Supreme Court
(Photo: ADF International)
The Finnish Supreme Court is set to deliberate on a critical free speech case involving Finnish parliament member Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola. This case, which has been ongoing for several years, addresses allegations of hate speech stemming from their expression of traditional Christian beliefs on marriage and sexuality.
The controversy began in 2019 when Räsänen, a former Minister of the Interior, posted a tweet citing a Bible verse questioning her church’s endorsement of a Pride event. Additionally, she co-authored a pamphlet with Pohjola discussing Christian views on marriage. These actions led to charges of “agitation against a minority group” under Finland’s criminal code, which includes provisions related to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In 2022, the Helsinki District Court acquitted them, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2023, citing protection under freedom of expression and religion. However, the prosecution appealed, seeking a final resolution from the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver its decision in the coming months. A conviction could result in significant fines and the removal of the contentious tweet and pamphlet.
Räsänen expressed her hopes for the Supreme Court to uphold free speech rights in Finland, stating, “In a free society, it should never be a crime to share a Bible verse or express beliefs rooted in faith.” She added, “The burden of the legal ordeal of the past few years has been challenging, but I remain hopeful that justice will prevail — not only for me, but for the wider principle of free speech in Finland. No one should face criminal charges for peacefully voicing their convictions.”
Pohjola emphasized the broader implications of the case, seeing it as a litmus test for Finland’s commitment to free expression and religious liberty. “The process has been long, and that’s why I’m pleased that it is coming to an end. I look forward to the oral hearing with confidence, where we can, with a clear conscience and openly, express how every person has an inviolable human dignity and what the Christian view of marriage means,” he mentioned. He further added, “The Christian message of marriage and sexuality has been taught for two millennia, and it should never be considered a crime to speak what Christians have always believed.”
The case has attracted global attention, with advocacy groups for legal and religious freedoms viewing it as a pivotal examination of how European countries balance hate speech statutes with freedom of religion and speech. ADF International, backing the defense, has criticized the prosecution for fostering a “climate of fear” and has urged the court to maintain the previous rulings.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
