Finland’s LGBTQ+ rights group calls hate speech ruling against MP a landmark decision

The Finnish LGBTQ+ rights organisation Seta has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling against MP Päivi Räsänen and bishop Juhana Pohjala for incitement against a minority group, calling the decision significant for the rainbow community.

In a statement published on its website, Seta said the ruling sends a clear message that public disparagement of homosexuals is unacceptable in society. The case centred on writings by Räsänen, a member of parliament, with one text leading to a conviction. Pohjala, a representative of the Luther Foundation, which published the material, was also found guilty.

“For the rainbow community, this court decision means a great deal,” said Seta chair Anu Kantola. “Everyone has the right to live openly as themselves without prejudice or hostile speech directed at them or their loved ones.”

Kerttu Tarjamo, Seta’s executive director, said the organisation hopes the ruling will encourage more reports of hate speech against LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to increased prosecutions and court assessments of such cases.

Kantola emphasised that politicians bear a special responsibility to avoid spreading prejudices or expressions of hatred toward rainbow communities. Seta is calling for stronger preventive measures and interventions against anti-LGBTQ+ hate speech in Finland.

The Supreme Court’s decision follows a monitoring report by Seta, released today, which found that nearly half of all Pride events in Finland face hate incidents, including crimes, harassment, or threats.