Finland's Supreme Court Convicts MP Päivi Räsänen of Hate Speech Over 2004 Pamphlet

Päivi Räsänen Hate Speech Prosecution·March 26 – March 27, 2026

21 days ago

Finland's Supreme Court Convicts MP Päivi Räsänen of Hate Speech Over 2004 Pamphlet

Finland's Supreme Court convicted Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen of inciting hatred against a minority group. The court issued a fine of 1,800 euros because of a pamphlet she wrote in 2004 that described homosexuality as a developmental disorder. While the court found the pamphlet's language illegal, it upheld her acquittal for a 2019 social media post that included a Bible verse describing her religious views. Bishop Juhana Pohjola was also convicted for publishing the pamphlet two decades ago. Räsänen argued the ruling is a major threat to free speech and religious expression in Europe during her testimony. Critics of the decision claim the court is using a playbook that restricts traditional Christian values.

Terrible decision.Finland's Supreme Court fines MP for calling homosexuality 'developmental disorder'Finnish MP convicted for saying homosexuality is 'developmental disorder'My Criminal Conviction Is a Terrible Blow to Free Speech in Europe

Key Statements

TThe Guardian

“Finland's Supreme Court convicts MP Päivi Räsänen of inciting hatred for describing homosexuality as a "developmental disorder" in a 2004 pamphlet, imposing a €1,800 fine.”

This article provides the specific fine amount and the core phrase that led to the conviction.

TThe Daily Wire

“Finland's Supreme Court convicts MP Päivi Räsänen of hate speech in a 3-2 ruling over a 2004 pamphlet detailing traditional Christian views on marriage and sexual ethics.”

This source highlights the narrow 3-2 split in the court's decision, showing how close the legal debate was.