Finland: MP convicted for describing homosexuality as a "developmental disorder"

Finland's Supreme Court has fined MP Paivi Rasanen for inciting hatred after controversial remarks about homosexuality.

The elected official, a member of the Christian Democratic party, had stated in publications on social networks and on her website that homosexuality constituted a "developmental disorder", based, according to her, on scientific arguments.

The court found that these statements were erroneous in light of current medical knowledge and that they could incite hatred towards a group.

The Supreme Court sentenced Paivi Rasanen to a fine of 1,800 euros, following a close decision by three votes to two.

This case, which has been ongoing for several years, has taken on significant political importance in Finland, fueling a debate on the limits of freedom of expression.

The lower courts had initially acquitted the MP, before the country's highest court reversed that decision.

Paivi Rasanen had received support from the American organization Alliance Defending Freedom, which denounces what it considers a restriction of freedom of expression in Europe.

The verdict could set a precedent in Finland regarding how public statements about minorities are regulated by law.

It also reignites the debate, beyond the country, on the balance between freedom of expression and the fight against discriminatory speech.