Finnish "Christian Democrat" convicted of hate speech over pamphlet about homosexuality to appeal decision

A Finnish MP convicted of hate speech over a pamphlet about homosexuality has said she will appeal to Europe’s top human rights court.

Päivi Räsänen, a parliamentarian for the Christian Democrats and a former interior minister, was found guilty by Finland’s Supreme Court in March in a closely split ruling. 

The conviction relates to a pamphlet first published in 2004, in which Räsänen expressed her views on sexuality and described homosexuality as a “disorder of psychosexual development”. 

Finland’s highest court ruled by a 3–2 majority that making the material publicly available amounted to a criminal offence of “incitement against a minority group”. 

Räsänen was fined about €1,800 following the decision. 

Lower courts had previously acquitted her of all charges, but prosecutors pursued the case, leading to the Supreme Court judgment after several years of legal proceedings. 

The court acquitted Räsänen on a separate allegation relating to a social media post quoting a Bible verse, but upheld the conviction connected to the pamphlet. 

Announcing her next move this week, Räsänen said she would take the case to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, arguing that the ruling infringed freedom of expression.

In a statement, she said: “You can freely oppose and criticise my writings and views, but labelling opinions as a crime seriously restricts freedom of speech.” 

The case centres on a booklet titled Male and Female He Created Them, which set out a traditional Christian view of marriage and criticised same-sex relationships. 

The text, originally produced for a church audience, was later republished online and on social media. 

A Lutheran bishop who helped publish the pamphlet was also convicted.

The long-running case has attracted international attention, particularly from groups concerned about the balance between hate speech laws and freedom of expression.

Supporters of the ruling say it reflects the need to protect minority groups from harmful rhetoric, while critics argue it risks criminalising religious or political views.

Räsänen has said she believes the outcome of her appeal could have wider implications for free speech across Europe.

The European Court of Human Rights will now consider whether Finland’s decision is compatible with rights protections under the European Convention on Human Rights.