Finland Lands In Serious Trouble As U. S. Lawmakers Make Powerful Demand From State Department; See Their Alleged Crime
A coalition of U. S. lawmakers has urged the U. S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an entity within the State Department, to consider placing Finland on its special watch list. This call follows the Finnish prosecutor general’ s decision to charge a Protestant bishop and a member of Parliament with hate crimes, stemming from their public expressions of biblical views on marriage. The charges are linked to a 2004 booklet authored by Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen and a Bible verse shared on Twitter by Bishop Juhana Pohjola.
This case underscores a troubling convergence of free speech and religious freedom issues in Finland. Both individuals face prosecution for ethnic agitation due to their public stances, despite the materials in question being publicly available for years without prior legal action. Bishop Pohjola, who heads the Evangelical Lutheran Mission Diocese of Finland, noted that while the booklet was initially published in 2004 without controversy, changes to Finnish law in 2011 have retroactively criminalized its content. He described the charges as akin to ” war crimes and crimes against humanity, ” highlighting the severity of the situation.
The case has garnered international attention, particularly from advocates of religious liberty and free expression. During a visit to the offices of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) in Washington, D. C. , Pohjola emphasized the gravity of the situation, asserting, ” The Gospel of Christ is at stake. ” He clarified that the legal action is not about cultural warfare but about calling people to repentance and offering salvation through faith in Christ. This perspective underscores the belief that standing firm on religious teachings, even amidst persecution, is essential for those committed to truth and love.
In response, six U. S. representatives penned a letter arguing that prosecuting citizens for remarks made on social media and a long- circulated booklet represents a clear abuse of governmental power. They warned that such actions could stifle open dialogue and suppress free speech, not only in Finland but across Western democracies. The representatives cautioned against laws that, under the guise of promoting equality, effectively serve as instruments of ideological control, curtailing legitimate expression.
Pohjola’ s stance reflects a broader challenge faced by religious leaders worldwide: balancing the public advocacy of traditional values with increasingly restrictive legal environments. His commitment to teaching biblical truths, despite personal risks, exemplifies the resilience required to uphold core beliefs amidst rising societal pressures. He emphasized that this is not about fostering hatred or division but about proclaiming eternal truths with compassion.
For Christians and supporters of religious freedom globally, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of defending the right to express one’ s faith openly. The First Amendment in the United States guarantees more than private worship; it ensures the ability to practice religion freely in public life. While laws aimed at combating hate speech and discrimination may seem well- intentioned, they often empower governments and interest groups to narrowly define acceptable discourse, potentially silencing dissenting voices. Critics argue that labeling LGBT individuals as an ethnicity mischaracterizes sexual orientation, which they view as a choice rather than a genetically determined trait. Consequently, expressing biblical perspectives on marriage should not equate to hate speech.
As debates over free speech and religious liberty continue, cases like this one highlight the dangers of empowering authorities to determine what constitutes offensive language. Those advocating for strict regulation of speech risk creating precedents that could later be used against them. In an era where ideological battles shape legal landscapes, protecting fundamental freedoms remains crucial— not just for specific groups but for society as a whole.
