Finland's Supreme Court has found MP Päivi Räsänen guilty of inciting hatred for describing homosexuality as a 'developmental disorder'. The Christian Democrat politician was fined €1,800 for republishing a pamphlet on Facebook and her website.
The court ruled in a 3-2 vote that Räsänen's claim was incorrect and constituted a crime. She had been acquitted by lower courts. Räsänen expressed shock at the verdict and is considering an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Räsänen was supported by the US-based Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group. The case has drawn criticism from far-right government ministers, including Justice Minister Leena Meri and Deputy Prime Minister Riikka Purra, who called for legislative changes to protect free speech.
Prosecutor General Ari-Pekka Koivisto noted the significance of the ruling, stating it was the first such preliminary decision on incitement. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo declined to comment, saying politicians should not interfere with court decisions.
