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Finnish MP Convicted of Hate Speech, Plans ECHR Appeal

3/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Päivi Räsänen (Finnish MP) was convicted by the Finnish Supreme Court of hate speech for a 2004 pamphlet describing homosexuality as a 'psychosexual disorder'.
The court fined €1,800 and banned further distribution.
Räsänen was acquitted of a 2019 post quoting the Bible, deemed protected expression.
Critics, including ADF International, say the ruling threatens free speech and she will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

History

Historical Context

In 2004, Finland's Parliament enacted the Act on the Protection of Freedom of Expression to balance free speech and hate speech prevention. The recent €1,800 conviction of Päivi Räsänen underscores ongoing tensions between religious expression and LGBTQ+ rights, echoing historical debates in Europe, such as the 2010 European Court of Human Rights case on hate speech laws, which may shape future legal interpretations across the continent.

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Story summary

Päivi Räsänen (Finnish MP) was convicted by the Finnish Supreme Court of hate speech for a 2004 pamphlet describing homosexuality as a 'psychosexual disorder'.
The court fined €1,800 and banned further distribution.
Räsänen was acquitted of a 2019 post quoting the Bible, deemed protected expression.
Critics, including ADF International, say the ruling threatens free speech and she will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

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