Helsinki, March 28, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finland’s Supreme Court has found Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen guilty of inciting hatred over remarks describing homosexuality as a “developmental disorder,” in a landmark ruling that has triggered political debate over freedom of expression.
In a narrow 3–2 decision delivered on Thursday, the court ruled that Räsänen committed a criminal offence when she republished statements from a 2004 pamphlet on Facebook in 2019 and later on her website. She was fined €1,800. The court concluded that her characterization of homosexuality as a disorder of psychosexual development was incorrect and constituted incitement.
Räsänen, a member of the Christian Democrats, had originally authored the pamphlet, which was later circulated online by religious organisations, including the Luther Foundation Finland and the Finnish Evangelical Mission Diocese.
The ruling marks a significant legal precedent in Finland, as Prosecutor General Ari-Pekka Koivisto noted that the country had not previously seen a Supreme Court decision of this nature concerning incitement offences. He added that the court undertook a detailed assessment of fundamental rights in reaching its verdict.
Reacting to the decision, Räsänen described the outcome as “a shock” and said she would consider appealing to the European Court of Human Rights. She had previously been acquitted of all charges by lower courts.
The case has drawn international attention, with the US-based conservative legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom supporting Räsänen and framing the case as an issue of censorship in Europe.
The verdict also sparked immediate reactions within Finland’s political landscape. Ministers from Räsänen’s party and the nationalist Finns Party called for legislative changes, arguing that existing laws on incitement lack clarity and predictability.
Justice Minister Leena Meri stated that the law is “not sufficiently precise,” making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between permissible and prohibited speech. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Riikka Purra echoed concerns, saying the decision represented a setback for freedom of expression.
However, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo declined to comment on the ruling, emphasizing that politicians should not interfere with judicial decisions.
The case has intensified debate in Finland over the balance between protecting minority rights and safeguarding freedom of speech, with broader implications for legal and political discourse across Europe.
