The case of Päivi Räsänen, former Finnish Interior Minister and member of Parliament, has reached the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) after her conviction for "hate speech" by the Finnish Supreme Court. The decision, handed down by a 3–2 vote in March 2025, overturned two earlier acquittals and imposed fines on Räsänen and Lutheran bishop Juhana Pohjola. At the heart of the matter is a pamphlet titled "Man and Woman He Created Them," published in 2004, which expresses the traditional biblical view on marriage and sexuality.
For the Christian community, this case represents a crucial test for religious freedom of expression in Europe. Räsänen argues that her statements were peaceful and based on faith convictions, not hatred. The Finnish court, however, deemed the text "insulting to homosexuals as a group," even while acknowledging it did not incite violence. The decision raises profound questions about how far the state can limit the expression of religious beliefs in the name of protecting minorities.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage and Sexuality?
The view expressed in Räsänen's pamphlet is rooted in biblical passages such as Genesis 1:27 and Romans 1:26–27. In Scripture, marriage is presented as a union between man and woman, a reflection of God's love for his people. The apostle Paul, in Romans, describes homosexuality as a consequence of rejecting God, but also emphasizes that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27, NIV)
It's important to remember that the Bible calls Christians to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Räsänen's conviction was not for preaching the gospel, but for how her words were interpreted under Finnish law. Many Christians see this as a troubling escalation: traditional biblical views are being criminalized, not just challenged in public debate.
Is Religious Freedom at Risk in Europe?
Räsänen's case is not isolated. Across Europe, Christians have faced legal action for expressing biblical views on sexuality. The European Evangelical Alliance and organizations like ADF International have been closely monitoring the case. For many, the Finnish decision sets a dangerous precedent: if a church pamphlet from 20 years ago can be considered a crime, what prevents sermons or Bible studies from being censored?
Räsänen stated, "I hope the ECHR will recognize that the peaceful expression of convictions is not a crime." Her hope is that the European court, which has protected religious freedom in previous cases, will reaffirm that the right to believe and live according to one's faith cannot be suppressed by misapplied "hate speech" laws.
The Role of the European Court of Human Rights
The ECHR has jurisdiction over the 46 member states of the Council of Europe. In earlier cases, such as Lillian Ladele (UK) and Eweida and Others v. the United Kingdom, the court recognized that religious freedom includes the right to manifest faith in public. However, recent trends have given states broad leeway to restrict expressions that might be seen as offensive. The Räsänen case could become a landmark: either the court protects religious expression or subordinates it to other rights.
What Can We Learn as Christians?
This case reminds us of the importance of praying for those who suffer persecution for their faith. In Matthew 5:10–12, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Räsänen and Pohjola are not suffering for crimes, but for believing and teaching what the Bible says.
Moreover, we are challenged to share the truth with grace. In an increasingly polarized world, how we communicate our faith can make a difference. Let us pray that the ECHR will uphold religious freedom, and that as the body of Christ, we may respond with wisdom and love.
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