Finnish MP Cleared for Bible Tweet but Fined for Christian Pamphlet
The Finnish Supreme Court issued a split ruling for a Finnish Member of Parliament following a decades-long legal case over statements about homosexuality in contrast to her Christian beliefs.
Päivi Räsänen was a narrow 3-2, showing disagreement amongst the judges. Although Räsänen was acquitted for a 2019 tweet that expressed her biblical views on homosexuality, she was fined and convicted for the 2004 pamphlet, which described homosexuality as a “developmental disorder. Consequently, the Finnish Supreme Court ruled that Räsänen insulted a protected group and violated Finnish law, The Washington Post reported. According to Reuters, she was fined about €1,800 (which roughly equates to $2,000).
“I am shocked and profoundly disappointed that the court has failed to recognize my basic human right to freedom of expression. I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith, and will continue to defend my and every person’s right to share their convictions in the public square,” Räsänen said after the decision was handed down. ADF International reported.
“I am taking legal advice on a possible appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. This is not about my free speech alone, but that of every person in Finland. A positive ruling would help to prevent other innocent people from experiencing the same ordeal for simply sharing their beliefs,” she added.
ADF International, which served as Räsänen’s legal defense, issued a statement following the ruling stressing the importance of freedom of speech.
“Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy. It is right that the Court has acquitted Päivi Räsänen for her 2019 Bible verse tweet. However, the conviction for a simple church pamphlet published decades ago – before the law under which she has been convicted was even passed – is an outrageous example of state censorship. This decision will create a severe chilling effect for everyone’s right to speak freely,” stated Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International.
Meanwhile, Kristnten Waggoner, CEO, President, and Chief Counsel of ADF, stated that the ruling “is a stark reminder that no democracy is immune from the erosion of fundamental freedoms. Punishing peaceful expression, especially when it is based on deeply held religious convictions, undermines the very foundation of free societies.”
According to Reuters, the case sparked an international debate regarding free speech vs. hate speech laws. Although supporters argue that hate speech laws protect minority groups from harmful statements, critics argue that they restrict religious freedom and expression.
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Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Heather Diehl / Staff
Originally published March 31, 2026.
