Finland's Supreme Court has convicted parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola of insulting a group based on sexual orientation over a 2004 church pamphlet. In a 3-2 decision, the court ordered the removal of specific statements from the pamphlet and imposed fines on the pair and the publishing foundation. Räsänen plans to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Finland's Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in a 3-2 split decision that Päivi Räsänen, a longtime member of parliament and former interior minister, and Bishop Juhana Pohjola violated the country's criminal code by making and keeping available a pamphlet deemed insulting to homosexuals based on their sexual orientation. The pamphlet, titled “Male and Female He Created Them,” was published in 2004 to discuss biblical views on marriage and sexuality amid debates over same-sex marriage. It spans 25 pages, according to court details reported by outlets covering the case. The court ordered the removal and destruction of 11 specific statements from public access. Räsänen faces a fine of around €1,920 ($2,079), Pohjola €1,170 ($1,270), and the publishing foundation €5,300 ($5,775). The convictions stem from charges brought after Räsänen's 2019 social media post questioning her Lutheran church's participation in Helsinki Pride, which included a Bible verse from Romans. Prosecutors expanded the case to include the pamphlet and a radio interview. Lower courts unanimously acquitted them in 2022 and 2023, but prosecutors appealed to the Supreme Court. The high court upheld the acquittal on the Bible verse post, ruling it did not incite hatred. “I am shocked and profoundly disappointed that the court has failed to recognize my basic human right to freedom of expression,” Räsänen said after the verdict. “I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith, and will continue to defend my and every person’s right to share their convictions in the public square.” Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom International, Räsänen stated she is seeking advice on appealing to the European Court of Human Rights, emphasizing it concerns free speech for all Finns. Paul Coleman of ADF International noted the risks of vague hate speech laws. The case, spanning nearly seven years, has drawn international attention, including from US lawmakers concerned about European free speech protections.
