Päivi Räsänen

The Latest

The Helsinki Court of Appeal on Nov. 14, 2023, fully dismissed “hate speech” charges against Finnish grandmother and lawmaker Päivi Räsänen, who was on trial for expressing her biblical, religious views on marriage and sexuality.

‘Hate speech’ charges dismissed for Finnish lawmaker who defended traditional marriage

Nov 14, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Päivi Räsänen had been charged after publicly sharing her biblical, religious views on marriage as between one man and one... Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015.

Finnish lawmaker on trial for ‘hate speech’ for defending traditional marriage

Aug 30, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

Päivi Räsänen is on trial this week for using Bible verses to express her support for traditional marriage.  Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015, speaks to reporters while holding her Bible at Helsinki District Court on Jan. 24, 2022.

Bible tweet trial: Finland’s state prosecutor files appeal

May 3, 2022

By CNA Staff

‘I am dismayed that the prosecutor will not let this campaign against me drop,’ said Päivi Räsänen. Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015, speaks to reporters while holding her Bible at Helsinki District Court on Jan. 24, 2022.

After acquittal, Christian MP says: I’m ready to keep defending freedom of speech and religion

Mar 30, 2022

By CNA Staff

Päivi Räsänen said she was prepared to go to the European Court of Human Rights ‘if needed.’ Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015.

Christian MP acquitted on all charges after Finland’s Bible tweet trial

Mar 30, 2022

By CNA Staff

The court said in a unanimous ruling that ‘it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts.’ Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015.

Verdict in Finland’s Bible tweet trial expected in March

Feb 16, 2022

By CNA Staff

The trial of Päivi Räsänen, a physician and mother of five, ended on Feb. 14. Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015, speaks to reporters while holding her Bible at Helsinki District Court on Jan. 24, 2022.

Finnish MP facing jail after tweeting Bible verse pleads not guilty as trial begins

Jan 24, 2022

By CNA Staff

Päivi Räsänen, a mother of five, is facing three criminal charges. Read more

Päivi Räsänen, Finland’s interior minister from 2011 to 2015.

Court date set for Finnish MP facing jail after tweeting Bible verse

Sep 16, 2021

By CNA Staff

Päivi Räsänen could be given a two-year prison sentence for the tweet. Read more