Appeal Likely After Christians Acquitted A Second Time Of Bible Booklet ‘Hate Crimes’
Today, a Helsinki appeals court delivered a groundbreaking verdict, acquitting two Christians of “hate crimes” charges that could have resulted in prison sentences. Their alleged crimes? Tweeting Bible verses and publishing a Christian booklet on sexual ethics. This extraordinary application of Finnish law has kept Member of Parliament Paivi Rasanen and Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjola entangled in court proceedings for nearly five years.
Despite the unanimous ruling in their favor, their legal battle is far from over. The state prosecutor has announced plans to appeal to Finland’s Supreme Court, and according to the Christians’ lawyer, Matti Sankamo, the court is likely to accept the case. If an adverse ruling is reached, it could potentially have far-reaching consequences, effectively outlawing Christianity in Finland and undermining the fundamental human rights of free speech and religious expression worldwide.
“This is a significant victory for everyone who values the protection of fundamental freedoms,” declared Rasanen during a press conference. “While I celebrate this triumph wholeheartedly, I am also saddened by the immense amount of state resources that have been wasted over the past four years to prosecute us for nothing more than peacefully expressing our Christian faith. The basic human right to free speech remains under serious threat in Finland and around the world.”
Rasanen and Pohjola wasted no time in sharing the news of their acquittal with friends and family. Pohjola even read aloud words of praise from Psalm 103 to his loved ones. He also reached out to fellow pastors, who expressed their relief that their bishop was no longer labeled as a criminal.
“This is not just a cultural or legal battle; it is also a spiritual battle,” emphasized Pohjola. He acknowledged that their prosecution raises important questions about whether pastors and churches can publicly teach what they believe to be the word of God and adhere to the natural order and laws. Despite the challenges they have faced, Pohjola sees it as his Christian duty to defend the faith, teach it openly, and bear the cross.
However, Pohjola clarified that the cross he refers to is not a physical one like the necklace he wears. Instead, it symbolizes the price one must pay in this age to be a witness for Christ.
The legal saga began in 2019 when Rasanen voiced her opposition on social media to Finland’s state church sponsoring an LGBT parade. She shared Bible verses that express the view that non-heterosexual acts are unnatural.
The Finnish authorities launched an investigation into Rasanen’s tweet following complaints. This led to three days of police interrogations and a probe into Rasanen’s political career spanning 25 years, during which she served as a member of Parliament and as the nation’s former interior minister.
During the investigation, a 2004 booklet authored by Rasanen, a medical doctor, and published by Pohjola as part of a church catechism series came to light. The booklet, titled “Male and Female He Created Them,” presents the basic Christian teachings on marriage, emphasizing the union of one man and one woman for life.
Helsinki prosecutor Anu Mantila argued that Finnish courts should ban the booklet, Rasanen’s tweet, and an audio recording of Rasanen defending Christian views from the internet. Mantila also seeks punitive fines. It is worth noting that “Male and Female He Created Them” was published in 2004, several years before Finland adopted the antiterrorism laws now being used to prosecute the two Christians for “hate speech.”
“With the right police and prosecutor, we could expect to see similar cases emerge across Europe and even worldwide,” warned Paul Coleman, an international lawyer from Alliance Defending Freedom who is assisting in the Christians’ legal defense. Hate crimes laws like the one in Finland exist in many European countries, as well as various states and cities in the United States.
Rasanen expressed that the most challenging aspect of her prosecution has been the prosecutor’s false accusations, including the claim that she considers homosexuals inferior. As a devout Christian, Rasanen vehemently denies this accusation. Christianity teaches that every human being is made in God’s image and is deeply loved by Him, to the extent that He sacrificed His own Son to cleanse humanity of all sins.
“We represent the traditional, classical understanding of family and sexual ethics, which has now been widely labeled as offensive, extremist, and even criminal in our society and within the established Lutheran church,” Pohjola remarked.
Pohjola serves as the bishop of a small non-state church that remains faithful to the teachings of the Bible, unlike Finland’s state church, which has largely deviated from them. The Federalist conducted interviews with both Pohjola in 2021 and Rasanen in 2022, providing further insight into their situation.
During the press conference, Pohjola and Rasanen expressed their gratitude for the prayers and messages of support they have received from around the world. They also acknowledged the unwavering support of their families throughout the trials. Both individuals consider it a “privilege” to defend Christianity and the fundamental human rights of free speech and freedom of religion, both in court and through various media appearances since their prosecution began.
Rasanen, who recently became a grandmother for the eleventh time, shared a touching message she received from a 16-year-old Finnish girl. The girl expressed that the prosecution has inspired her to be more open about her faith at school.
“In a free society, faith should never be hidden behind closed doors,” Rasanen emphasized. “That is what happens in dictatorships, not in democracies.”
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How does the Helsinki appeals court ruling impact the preservation of religious liberties and freedom of speech?
Religious freedom and truth. It represents the sacrifices that Christians may have to make in order to stand up for their faith and uphold the teachings of the Bible. Pohjola stressed that this battle is not just about their personal freedom, but about the preservation of religious liberties for all.
The case against Rasanen and Pohjola began in 2019, when they were charged with hate crimes under a Finnish law that criminalizes “hate speech” against certain groups. The charges were based on their social media posts and the publication of a booklet that expressed traditional Christian views on sexuality. The prosecution argued that these actions amounted to discrimination and incitement of hatred.
Throughout the trial, Rasanen and Pohjola maintained that they were exercising their right to free speech and expressing their religious beliefs. They argued that their actions were not motivated by hatred or malice, but by a sincere desire to follow the teachings of their faith. They contended that they should be allowed to express these beliefs without fear of legal repercussions.
The Helsinki appeals court agreed with their argument, stating that their actions did not meet the criteria for hate crimes. The court recognized that the defendants had a legitimate religious freedom and freedom of speech claim, and that their intent was not to incite hatred or discrimination. The ruling was seen as a victory for religious freedom advocates, who celebrated the court’s recognition of the importance of free expression and the protection of fundamental rights.
However, the battle is not over. The state prosecutor has announced plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, which could potentially overturn the acquittal. This has raised concerns among religious communities and human rights organizations, who worry about the implications of a negative ruling. If the Supreme Court were to uphold the hate crimes charges, it could set a dangerous precedent and have far-reaching consequences for religious freedom not only in Finland but around the world.
The case of Rasanen and Pohjola has shed light on the increasing challenges faced by Christians in expressing their faith and upholding traditional beliefs in a rapidly changing world. It raises important questions about the limits of free speech and the protection of religious liberties. It also underscores the need for robust legal protections and a robust defense of religious freedom in order to ensure that individuals are able to live out their faith without fear of persecution or legal repercussions.
As the legal battle continues, Rasanen and Pohjola remain steadfast in their commitment to defending their faith and the principles they hold dear. They are aware of the significance of their case and the potential impact it could have on religious freedom worldwide. They understand that their fight is not just for themselves, but for all those who believe in the importance of free expression and the protection of fundamental rights.
The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of religious freedom in Finland and beyond. It is a reminder that the struggle for liberty and the protection of fundamental rights is ongoing and requires constant vigilance. The defense of religious freedom is not just a responsibility for individuals like Rasanen and Pohjola, but for society as a whole. It is a fight that must be taken seriously, as the stakes are high and the consequences are significant.
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