Documentary about Finnish MP accused of hate speech crime for Bible-tweet to be released in 2023

Originally published in Christian News

A documentary about the prosecution and trial of a Finnish MP who was accused of hate speech for sharing her thoughts on sexuality and gender identity on social media is set to be released in 2023.

The film, directed by Matti Reinikka, will give an insight into Päivi Räsänen’s legal battle since 2019.

Three years ago, the former chairwoman of the Christian Democratic Party posted a tweet which criticised the Lutheran Church of Finland for taking part in a gay pride event, accompanied by a picture of Romans 1: 24-27.

The tweet sparked criticism and was branded as “homophonic”. Consequently, Räsänen was accused of hate speech.

But in March this year, a court cleared her of any wrongdoing arguing it was “not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts”.

The prosecutors were ordered to pay more than 60 000 euros (R1.093 million) in legal costs. However, they have appealed the decision meaning Räsänen’s legal battle will continue in 2023.

The Free Speech Crime film will show the highlights from over 100 hours of meetings with police and court appointments.

Reinikka told Christian Europe Europe: “We saw right from the beginning that the case is also internationally significant and possibly a precedent for how the Bible can be used to defend marriage between a man and a woman.”

“There has been special interest in this case, e.g. from Hungary, Poland and the United States, but we really believe that the interest is great everywhere,” he concluded.

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