Päivi Räsänen states that losing her UK travel permission is a further repercussion of a contentious court verdict concerning her Christian perspectives on marriage and sexuality.
Finnish Parliament member Päivi Räsänen reports that British officials have canceled her electronic travel authorization (ETA), resulting in a ban on her visiting the UK, even though it was initially granted.
The ex-interior minister and medical doctor was found guilty earlier this year by Finland’s Supreme Court on charges of hate speech connected to her public expressions about marriage and sexuality, rooted in her Christian faith and biblical teachings.
Räsänen explains that the Supreme Court’s decision has gone beyond limiting her freedom of speech, also hindering her mobility and involvement in events and conferences. She voiced worries that this ruling may leave many unsure if calmly sharing their religious convictions risks legal repercussions.
Reports also indicate that Juhana Pohjola, the Lutheran bishop who helped defend her case after distributing one of her church brochures, has been denied travel authorization.
In a narrow 3-2 verdict on March 26th, Finland’s Supreme Court convicted Räsänen of hate speech but unanimously acquitted her on a separate count related to a 2019 social media post quoting scripture.
The investigation began in 2019 when she criticized her church’s endorsement of an LGBTQ event by sharing a Bible verse on social media. Charges of “agitation against a minority group” were subsequently filed in 2021.
Evangelist Franklin Graham called upon Christians to pray for Räsänen following the announcement of her travel ban.
“It’s hard to believe that Finnish Member of Parliament and Christian Päivi Räsänen has been banned from flying through London’s Heathrow Airport simply for her belief on Biblical sexuality,” Graham wrote, highlighting the legal challenges she endured in Finland for citing biblical passages on homosexuality and urging prayer for her continued steadfastness.
Christian writer Rod Dreher also condemned the ruling, contending that European authorities are increasingly targeting Christians instead of focusing on more significant societal issues.
Graham referenced Dreher’s cautionary words in his post: “We can expect more of this. It’s a Finnish Lutheran lawmaker and grandmother today; it could easily be you tomorrow.”
Original article: europeanconservative.com
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