Finnish MP Paivi Rasanen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola have been acquitted by the Finland Court of Appeal. They were accused of ‘hate speech’ and violating the nation’s statute against ‘War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity’ by sharing Bible verses and traditional Christian teaching about sexuality. Had they been found guilty they could have been sentenced to up to two years in prison.
Outside the Court Paivi said ‘I am relieved, happy and grateful to God and to all those who have supported me through this stage of my life. The decision was in line with my expectations – I never doubted for a moment that I committed any offence in my writings and statements.
‘This ruling is an important step forward for the freedom of religion of Bible-believing Christians, but also for freedom of expression more broadly. I have considered it a privilege and an honour to defend freedom of expression, which is an absolutely fundamental right in a democratic state’.
Her ordeal began in 2019 when she questioned why the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland was supporting a Pride event. Her tweet contained an image of Romans 1: 24-27. Two years later the Finnish Prosecutor General brought charges against her for that, as well as for a pamphlet she wrote - in 2004 - entitled ‘Male and female He created them’ and a radio interview which also featured Bishop Juhana.
Despite those charges being dismissed, unanimously, by the Helsinki District Court the state prosecutor appealed the decision to the Court of Appeal, where Paivi’s defence relied upon the Finnish Constitution and the freedom of speech and religion enshrined in international treaties.
Paivi added: ‘This decision represents an historic win for freedom of expression and religion. For the first time in a criminal case, the court has had to decide whether teachings linked to the Bible may be broadcast and publicly agreed with. It was not just about my opinions, but about everyone's freedom of expression. I hope that with this decision, others will not have to undergo the same ordeal.
‘I hope that the prosecutor will be satisfied with this decision. If not, I am ready to defend freedom of expression and religion before the Supreme Court of Finland too, and if necessary even before the European Court of Human Rights. At the same time, I encourage others to continue to exercise these fundamental rights’.
