The U.S. Department of State has shown support for a member of the Finnish Parliament who was acquitted on criminal charges in expressing her Christian beliefs, while Finland’s Supreme Court prepares to hear the prosecution’s appeal in the case Oct. 30.
Paivi Rasanen — who is a medical doctor, a member of Finland’s Parliament and a former interior minister — was prosecuted for “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” reports Alliance Defending Freedom International on its website. She was prosecuted for having shared her Bible-based views on marriage and sexual relationships in a 2019 radio broadcast and through a 2004 pamphlet. She also tweeted a Bible verse in 2019.
Subscribe to The Alabama Baptist today!
SIGN UP for our weekly Highlights emails.
She was charged in 2021 under a Finnish “war crimes” provision concerning “agitation against a minority group.”
Prosecuted along with her was Juhana Pohjola, a Lutheran bishop. The bishop was charged for having published Rasanen’s 2004 pamphlet, explains ADF International.
“Both (individuals) were previously unanimously acquitted of ‘hate speech’ charges by two lower courts after publicly expressing their Christian beliefs,” states ADF International.
The prosecution is appealing but has eliminated from its case the charge regarding the radio broadcast.
‘Baseless’ case
The Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor — part of the U.S. Department of State — posted Sept. 10 on the social platform X that the case against Rasanen is “baseless.” Additionally, the post states, “In a democracy, no one should face trial for peacefully sharing their beliefs.” The post closes with the Bible verse Matthew 5:11.
In a statement on ADF International’s website, Paul Coleman, executive director of ADF International and a member of Rasanen’s defense team, noted the gravity of Rasanen’s case.
“This case has always been about more than just one individual. It’s about the right of every person to speak freely without fear of criminal charges,” Coleman said.
Share with others: