Faith Facts

• Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen was convicted by Finland’s Supreme Court for sharing biblical teachings on marriage in a 2004 pamphlet
• Räsänen will now appeal to the European Court of Human Rights to defend religious freedom and free speech rights across Europe
• The case has drawn international attention as a test of whether Christians can publicly express biblical views without criminal prosecution

A Finnish grandmother and member of parliament is taking her fight for religious freedom to the European Court of Human Rights after being convicted for publishing a pamphlet that quoted the Bible’s teachings on marriage. Päivi Räsänen’s case has become a rallying point for Christians worldwide who are concerned about the erosion of free speech and religious liberty in Western nations.

Räsänen, a medical doctor and former Interior Minister of Finland, was initially charged in 2019 for three separate instances of expressing her biblical beliefs about marriage and sexuality. These included a 2004 pamphlet she wrote for her church, a 2019 tweet quoting Romans 1:24-27, and comments made during a radio interview. After years of legal battles, Finland’s Supreme Court recently upheld her conviction, setting the stage for her appeal to the ECHR.

The 2004 pamphlet at the center of the case was titled “Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Concept of Humanity.” In it, Räsänen cited biblical passages and articulated traditional Christian teaching on marriage as between one man and one woman. Finnish prosecutors argued that these views constituted “hate speech” and violated the country’s ethnic agitation laws.

Throughout the proceedings, Räsänen has maintained that she never intended to defame or harm anyone, but rather was exercising her right as a Christian to share what the Bible teaches.

“I am not guilty of any crime,” Räsänen stated following the Supreme Court’s decision. “My statements were based on the Bible’s teaching on marriage and sexuality. I will not back down from my faith.”

The case has drawn support from religious freedom advocates around the globe. Many see it as a concerning precedent where governments can criminalize the public expression of orthodox Christian beliefs that have been held for two millennia. The implications extend far beyond Finland’s borders, potentially affecting how all European nations balance religious freedom with anti-discrimination laws.

Paul Coleman, Executive Director of Alliance Defending Freedom International, which is representing Räsänen, emphasized the broader significance of the case.

“This case will determine whether Christians can freely express their beliefs or whether they will be silenced through the threat of criminal prosecution,” Coleman said. “What happens to Päivi will affect Christians throughout Europe and beyond.”

Räsänen’s appeal to the European Court of Human Rights will argue that Finland violated Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as well as freedom of expression. Her legal team contends that criminalizing the expression of mainstream Christian doctrine creates a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundations of democratic society.

The timeline for the ECHR appeal remains uncertain, as the court typically takes several years to hear cases. However, Räsänen has expressed her determination to see the process through, regardless of how long it takes. She has become an international symbol of courage for Christians facing increasing pressure to conform to secular ideologies.

For many American Christians watching from across the Atlantic, Räsänen’s case serves as a sobering reminder of what can happen when religious freedom is not vigorously defended. It highlights the importance of protecting First Amendment rights in the United States and supporting believers worldwide who face persecution for their faith.

Despite facing potential fines and a criminal record, Räsänen remains steadfast in her convictions. She has repeatedly stated that she cannot and will not renounce her Christian beliefs, even if it means continuing this legal battle for years to come. Her courage has inspired countless believers to stand firm in their own faith, regardless of cultural pressures or legal threats.

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