Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen Appeals Hate‑Speech Conviction to European Court of Human Rights

Finnish Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen, a former interior minister, was convicted by the Finnish Supreme Court on 26 March for publishing a booklet that presented a biblical view of marriage, which the court deemed hate speech. The court fined her €1,800 and ordered legal‑cost reimbursement, overturning earlier acquittals.

On 24 July Räsänen filed an application with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, arguing that the Finnish judgment violates her freedoms of expression and religion under the European Convention on Human Rights. She maintains that the booklet has a religious purpose and that the conviction creates legal uncertainty.

Separately, the United Kingdom revoked her electronic travel authorization after the conviction became known, leaving her uncertain about a planned speaking engagement in Northern Ireland. The same travel restriction has reportedly affected Bishop Juhana Pohjola, who was also convicted over the pamphlet. Räsänen is now seeking a visa to enter the UK.