Päivi Räsänen appeals to European Court of Human Rights
Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) after the Finnish Supreme Court convicted her of “agitation against a minority group” over a Christian pamphlet published more than 20 years ago, a case that has become a major free speech dispute in Europe.
Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen has submitted an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights following a March ruling by Finland’s Supreme Court that found her guilty of “hate speech” in relation to a 2004 church pamphlet addressing biblical teachings on sexuality (OIDAC reported).
The Supreme Court ruled in a 3–2 decision that the 20-year-old Bible pamphlet, titled “Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Concept of Humanity,” could be considered insulting to homosexuals as a group. As a result, Räsänen was fined €1,800 and ordered to cover legal costs, while all physical and digital copies of the pamphlet were ordered to be removed or destroyed. Bishop Juhana Pohjola of the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, who was involved in its publication was also convicted and fined.
Following the ruling, Räsänen confirmed her appeal to Strasbourg, stating: “The failure of the Finnish Supreme Court to uphold freedom of speech has set a dangerous precedent in my country and across Europe. I feel it is my duty to appeal this decision, to reinstate respect for the basic human right that all are free to peacefully express their views in the public square.”
She also stated more broadly that peaceful expression of belief should not be treated as a crime, arguing that individuals must remain free to express and defend their convictions while others retain the right to disagree or criticise them.
The case, which has drawn international attention, continues to be framed by supporters and legal representatives as a key test of the limits of religious expression and freedom of speech under European human rights law.
Source: christiandaily, yle.fi, christianpost
Photo: ADF International