The Finnish State prosecutor has filed an appeal against a unanimous court decision which exonerated a Finnish MP and bishop of “hate speech” allegations for quoting the Bible in respect of sexual morality and homosexuality.

The prosecutor is demanding tens of thousands of Euros in fines and that Finnish Parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen and Evangelical Lutheran Bishop Juhana Pohjolas’ publications be censored.

On 30th March 2022 the Helsinki District Court had dismissed all charges against Räsänen and Pohjola, stating that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts”.

Responding to news of the appeal, Räsänen said: “After my full exoneration in court, I am dismayed that the prosecutor will not let this campaign against me drop. And yet, the prosecutor’s decision to appeal may lead to the case going all the way to the Supreme Court, offering the possibility of securing a positive precedent for freedom of speech and religion for all Finnish people”.

She added: “Also, I am happy that this decision will lead to the discussion of the Bible’s teachings in society. I am ready to defend freedom of speech and religion in all necessary courts. As far as the European Court of Human rights, if necessary”.