Freedom
Finnish MP Defends Faith and Speech in D.C.
Faith Facts
- Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen will testify before the House Judiciary Committee about growing speech restrictions in Europe.
- Räsänen faces prosecution in Finland for sharing a Bible verse on social media, raising concerns over religious freedom.
- Her case highlights the potential threat to expression of faith across Europe if convictions for biblical speech become precedent.
Päivi Räsänen, a Finnish member of parliament, is scheduled to address Congress regarding Europe’s increasing curbs on free speech, especially those impacting Christian expression.
The hearing will consider how European regulations threaten both faith-based and democratic principles, affecting the United States as well.
Räsänen’s legal battle began after she shared a Bible passage on social media and questioned her church’s alignment with LGBT pride events, resulting in criminal charges.
She remains steadfast, stating her actions come from religious conviction.
“I stand here not only to defend my own right to speak freely, but to defend the freedom of every person to express deeply held beliefs without fear of punishment,” she said.
Her trial has prompted global concern that Christians may face increased legal jeopardy for expressing biblical truths.
Paul Coleman of ADF International warns that so-called hate speech laws threaten open dialogue and democracy.
“Criminalizing peaceful speech through so-called ‘hate speech’ laws not only silences important conversations — it endangers democracy itself,” Coleman said.
Faith and freedom require vigilance. Let us pray for boldness and for renewed respect for the rights given by our Creator. Christians must stand firm in faith, upholding the God-given freedoms of speech and belief.