Finnish SDP representative Krista Kiuru opposes Conversion Law, citing threat to rule of law and democracy
Finnish Social Democratic Party (SDP) representative Krista Kiuru has stated that she will not vote in favour of the so-called “Conversion Law”. In her blog, Kiuru wrote that it is not possible to compromise on the principle of rule of law, which she described as the cornerstone of Western democracy. She warned that if foundations of democracy are eroded, it would be a victory for authoritarian regimes like that of Vladimir Putin.
Kiuru clarified to the Helsinki Sanomat newspaper that she plans to specifically vote against the law, as opposed to abstaining. When voting on whether to declare the law urgent, only ‘yes’ and ‘no’ votes are counted.
Earlier on Wednesday, SDP representatives Nasima Razmyar, Timo Harakka, Elisa Gebhard, Matias Mäkynen, and Johan Kvarnström also publicly stated that they would vote against the Conversion Law in parliament.
The SDP parliamentary group decided on Tuesday to support the law. However, according to the group’s rules, those who wish to vote against the group’s stance can seek permission to do so. The permissions are reportedly granted at the party’s group meeting on Friday.
Tytti Tuppurainen, the chairperson of the parliamentary group, did not comment on Tuesday on how many SDP representatives might seek permission to vote against the group’s stance.