News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

FINNISH MP Päivi Räsänen BANNER .JPG
FINNISH MP Päivi Räsänen .JPG
Reuters
World News

Finnish MP legal fight over Bible tweet on homosexuality continues as Helsinki Court of Appeals reopens case

by Kelly Valencia

The Helsinki Court of Appeals in Finland has accepted the complaint of the Finnish state prosecutor and will reopen the case against Christian Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola.

Both Rasanen and Bishop Pohjola were accused of hate speech for sharing their thoughts on marriage and sexual ethics on social media and on a pamphlet.

But in March, the court unanimously decided to dismiss all charges against them, arguing that "it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts."

The court then ordered the prosecution to pay more than 60,000 EUR in legal costs. However, after announcing their intention to appeal almost a month ago, the prosecution appealed the District Court’s “not guilty” verdict on the 30th of April.

The prosecution is demanding tens of thousands of Euros in fines and insists that Räsänen’s and Pohjola’s publications should be censored.

That petition has now been accepted by the Helsinki Court of Appeals, which means the case will now be reopened.

Speaking to ADF, her legal team, Päivi Räsänen said: “After my full exoneration in court, I am dismayed that the prosecutor will not let this campaign against me drop and yet, the prosecutor’s decision to appeal, may lead to the case going all the way to the Supreme Court, offering the possibility of securing a positive precedent for freedom of speech and religion for all Finnish people.

“Also, I am happy that this decision will lead to the discussion of the Bible’s teachings in society. I am ready to defend freedom of speech and religion in all necessary courts. As far as the European Court of Human rights, if necessary,” she concluded.  

The case is not expected to start before autumn and could begin as late as some time in 2023.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate