- Hot topics
- Join Now!
Bible beliefs on trial? The unexpected twist in Dr. Räsänen’s case
By 
Ann-Louise Graham2026-04-02T05:42:00
Former BBC reporter, Ann-Louise Graham, raises a timely question about freedom of expression in an age of shifting legal boundaries. Could what we publish today one day be judged under laws that do not yet exist?
A Christian woman in Finland has recently been convicted of ‘hate speech’ by the country’s Supreme Court for expressing her biblical beliefs about marriage. Päivi Räsänen, a long-standing member of parliament, was charged under a section of the country’s criminal code concerning war crimes and crimes against humanity for authoring a church pamphlet in 2004 titled As Man and Woman He Created Them. This is the third time that prosecutors have brought a case against Räsänen, despite two lower courts previously acquitting her of all charges. She is considering an appeal to a top European court.
The case against Päivi Räsänen, who is also a medical doctor, former Minister of the Interior, and an active leader within the Lutheran Church, is important, not least because of its timeline.
To continue reading, register today for more access!
If you are a member or a registered user, or if you already have a login for another Premier website SIGN IN HERE
Sign up for your free account now!
Registering is quick and easy and gives you immediate access to read more articles, plus:
- You’ll receive a weekly newsletter every Saturday with the top stories of the week
- You can save articles to read later
- You can share your comments and thoughts on the stories
Or become a member today for unlimited access! Special offers are available!
If you already have an account with a Premier website SIGN IN HERE
Related articles
-
OpinionI married an Anglican as a Catholic – and it changed how I see our differences
When Emily Innes-Whitehouse married her Anglican fiancé as a Catholic, she expected their different traditions to present challenges. Instead, navigating their differences revealed just how much they shared – and strengthened her own faith in the process.
-
OpinionWhy Hayden Panettiere had her daughter baptised in Ukraine – and what she said about the ‘incredible’ Christian moment
Becky Hunter Kelm reflects on the life and faith questions raised by the tragic death of actress Hayden Panettiere.
-
OpinionWant to find a husband? What Finland’s pink baskets can teach Christian single women
Jemimah Wright asks whether Finland’s pink supermarket baskets could teach Christian single women something about finding a husband – and keeping faith when the dating pool looks discouraging. Could choosing hope be as simple as picking up a basket and staying open to what God might do?
More from Opinion
-
OpinionREAL TALK: My sister can’t have kids and wants me to donate my eggs to her
In our fortnightly column ‘Real Talk’ we answer your questions on sex, faith and intimacy. Drop us an email on womanalive@premier.org.uk and ask us anything.
-
OpinionFrom business failure in New Zealand to winning over the Dragons: How one mum of four built an entrepreneurial empire through faith and resilience
On World Entrepreneur’s Day, we hear from entrepreneur and sustainability expert Nikki Buckley. When she appeared on Dragon’s Den, four dragons wanted to invest in her eco-friendly business. But behind the television success lay years of failed ventures, financial uncertainty and learning to trust God through every setback.
-
Opinion“I’m grieving the end of my fertile years – even though I already have four children”
As she watches the next generation of mothers welcome new babies, writer Hope Bonarcher reflects on the bittersweet realisation that her own childbearing years may be drawing to a close. She explores what it means to grieve that transition while remembering that her deepest identity is found not in motherhood, but in Christ.
- Issues
- Topics A-Z
- Writers A-Z
- © 2026 Woman Alive
Site powered by Webvision Cloud