Satakunta National Coalition Party distances itself from Porin politician Antti Pekola’s anti-LGBTQ remarks

Satakunta’s branch of the National Coalition Party has refrained from commenting on the position of Porin politician Antti Pekola, who has recently raised controversy with his anti-LGBTQ remarks. While Pekola has resigned from the party, he announced on Wednesday that he will continue serving on the Porin city church council and the Central Porin parish council, asserting that these roles are not directly linked to the National Coalition Party. The group is officially named “Coalition’s Church Community” in the Porin church council.

The Satakunta branch has categorically condemned Pekola’s statements made public. “Church elections are not related to party politics, even though local church activists do gather candidates for the lists before elections,” said Jarkko Stenfors, chair of the Satakunta Coalition branch, in an email response to Yle. He pointed out that the candidate commitment for church elections includes a reference to conduct that is good and in line with the church’s interests.

“It is the task of the church council and ultimately the Turku cathedral chapter to assess whether Pekola’s behavior aligns with this commitment and the church’s interest. In my opinion, it does not,” Stenfors stated.

The controversy erupted after Pekola wrote a message for the Satakunnan Kansa newspaper towards the end of September, claiming that “the essence of the Bible is not ‘love’ but a Christian’s responsibility for their actions,” citing Leviticus 20:13, which condemns homosexual acts.

Turku bishop Mari Leppänen expressed her sadness over Pekola’s views, stating they are inappropriate and that the love of any person should not be undervalued. She emphasized that elected officials must promote the welfare of the church and act with dignity.

On Wednesday, the human rights organization Seta announced that it had filed a criminal complaint against Pekola for inciting hatred against a group, a charge Pekola denies.