Finnish MP Convicted of Hate Speech Appeals to European Court

Finnish Christian Democrat Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen announced she has filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) following her conviction for inciting hatred against homosexuals. Räsänen, a former leader of the Christian Democratic Party, was found guilty by Finland's Supreme Court in March after a seven-year legal process, despite being acquitted in the first two instances.

In her 610-page appeal, Räsänen grounds her defense in the right to freedom of expression. She denies committing any crime through her public statements, which included characterizing homosexuality as a "psychosexual disorder" and a "sexual deviation." The Supreme Court's ruling imposed a fine of 1,800 euros.

Räsänen expressed hope that the ECHR in Strasbourg will rule that Finland's sentence contradicts the freedoms of expression and worship guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. "I have always said that I will maintain my convictions, derived from a Christian worldview based on the Bible, and my right to express them freely, regardless of the consequences," she stated.

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I hope that in Strasbourg it will be declared that the sentence handed down in Finland is contrary to the freedoms of expression and worship guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and that a resolution will be issued against Finland in this regard.

The case originated from statements made in a 2004 religious pamphlet and later shared on her Facebook profile in 2019, where she described homosexuality as a sin caused by a psychological disorder. While the court acquitted her on some other statements made on social media and state television, deeming them part of her freedom of expression, the core conviction stood.

The lengthy legal battle has garnered international attention, with Christian organizations worldwide citing Räsänen's case to advocate for free speech and criticize legislation in countries that recognize LGBTQ+ rights.

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I have always said that I will maintain my convictions, derived from a Christian worldview based on the Bible, and my right to express them freely, regardless of the consequences.