Finnish Christian leaders, Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola, have once again been cleared of hate speech charges filed against them. The Helsinki Court of Appeals ruled in their favor and rejected a second attempt by the state prosecutor to punish them for their stance against homosexuality.
Räsänen, a 62-year-old medical doctor and grandmother of seven, expressed her relief at the court’s decision and the acknowledgment of everyone’s right to free speech. “It isn’t a crime to tweet a Bible verse or to engage in public discourse with a Christian perspective,” she stated. “The attempts to prosecute me have been immensely trying, but I hope this serves as a key precedent to protect the human right to free speech.”
The trial was a second attempt by state prosecutor Anu Mantila to punish the two Christian leaders after they were initially acquitted in March 2022. Mantila argued that Räsänen’s interpretation of a Bible verse against homosexuality and a pamphlet titled “Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relations Challenge the Christian Concept of Humanity” were intended to cause intolerance and hatred towards homosexuals.
With this victory, I’m all the more grateful that the Court has upheld my unanimous acquittal at the District Court and affirmed free speech for us all. Free speech lives in Finland https://t.co/9fKOOOPBUd
— Päivi Räsänen (@PaiviRasanen) November 16, 2023
The prosecution argued that Räsänen’s actions were criminal, despite her citing the Bible, claiming that it was her interpretation and opinion of the verses that were intolerant. However, the Court of Appeals ruled that there was no reason to alter the original decision made by the district court.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who has been involved in international efforts to defend Räsänen and Pohjola, praised the victory as a triumph for the shared value of free expression. He stated, “A guilty verdict would have criminalized Christianity and silenced Christians, stifled religious freedom across Europe, and catalyzed further attacks on the foundations of Western Civilization.”
Räsänen, who has faced a four-year legal battle, expressed concerns that the trial could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and religion. “If writings based on biblical teachings were to be condemned, that would mean a serious restriction of freedom of religion,” she said. “It is natural that this would raise concerns among Christians both in Finland and internationally.”
FREE SPEECH VICTORY IN FINLAND🚨Tweeting Bible verses is NOT a crime. The Helsinki Court of Appeal has dismissed all “hate speech” charges against MP Päivi Räsänen & Bishop Juhana Pohjola.
Congrats to our team at @ADFIntl! Free speech is a fundamental right that belongs to all. pic.twitter.com/sKTum4XnqK
— Alliance Defending Freedom (@ADFLegal) November 14, 2023
While this is a second victory for Räsänen and Pohjola, the prosecution may still attempt to take the issue to the Supreme Court of Finland for a third and final decision. However, for now, the decision of the Court of Appeals stands as a strong precedent in defense of free speech and religious expression.
Roy thanked God for the verdict and the courage of Räsänen and Pohjola in defending their beliefs. He also acknowledged the efforts of Alliance Defending Freedom International and other groups for their advocacy and support in this case.
This case has garnered attention from around the world and has raised concerns over the protection of free speech and religious expression. The verdict of the Court of Appeals reaffirms the importance of these rights and sets a precedent for future cases.