Finland Member of Parliament Päivi Räsänen was convicted by the country’s Supreme Court on a count of hate speech for a decades-old pamphlet referring to homosexuality as a “developmental disorder.”

The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International, which represents Räsänen, announced the narrow 3-2 ruling on Thursday. 

Räsänen was previously acquitted on the charge by two lower courts.

PROSECUTOR IN FINLAND’S ‘BIBLE TRIAL’ QUESTIONS LAWMAKER OVER BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION, DOCUMENTARY SHOWS

MP of Finland’s Christian Democrats Paivi Rasanen, right, holds a Bible as she arrives with her husband Niilo Rasanen to attend a court session at the Helsinki District Court in Helsinki, Finland, on Jan. 24, 2022. (Photo by Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

The charge centered on a pamphlet Räsänen originally published in 2004 titled, “Male and Female He Created Them: Homosexual Relationships Challenge the Christian Understanding of Humanity” where she argued that homosexuality could be considered a “negative developmental disorder.”

“[T]he scientific material unequivocally proves that homosexuality is a disorder of psycho-sexual development. Those who claim that homosexuality is a natural ‘healthy’ variety of sexuality nullify the evidentiary value found in family background studies for political reasons,” Räsänen wrote.

According to ADF International, the court found Räsänen guilty of having “made available to the public and kept available to the public opinions that insult homosexuals as a group on the basis of their sexual orientation,” though the pamphlet was published years before the law was passed.

LAWMAKER ON TRIAL IN EUROPE FOR RELIGIOUS VIEWS A ‘CAUTIONARY TALE’ FOR THE US, SAYS LAWYER

Päivi Räsänen’s 2004 pamphlet explained why homosexuality was a disorder of psycho-sexual development. (Axel Schmidt/Reuters)

“I am shocked and profoundly disappointed that the court has failed to recognize my basic human right to freedom of expression. I stand by the teachings of my Christian faith, and will continue to defend my and every person’s right to share their convictions in the public square,” Räsänen said in a statement after the ruling.

Räsänen added that she plans to appeal the case to the European Court of Human Rights to help prevent “other innocent people from experiencing the same ordeal for simply sharing their beliefs.”

In an editorial on Friday, The Washington Post opined of Räsänen, “That she was prosecuted for either is the real crime.” The editorial was titled, “A free-speech farce in Finland.” 

Mentioning the co-defendent in the case, the editorial added, “If Finland is able to do this to a sitting member of its legislature and a clergyman who chairs an international organization with millions of members, no less notable person can feel comfortable expressing similar views in public.”

The court imposed an approximately $2,100 fine on Räsänen and demanded that the pamphlet be “removed from public access and destroyed.”  

FINNISH LAWMAKER BEING CHARGED FOR EXPRESSING HER RELIGIOUS VIEWS SPEAKS OUT, CALLS THE CASE ‘DANGEROUS’

MP of Finland’s Christian Democrats Paivi Rasanen was previously acquitted of her charges in 2023. (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the Supreme Court of Finland and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Finland for comment.

Räsänen was also unanimously acquitted by the court for a 2019 tweet where she questioned her church’s sponsorship of an LGBTQ Pride event, and linked to an Instagram post with a picture of Romans 1:24-27.

Executive Director of ADF International Paul Coleman celebrated Räsänen’s acquittal but lamented her charge as an “example of state censorship.”

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“Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy. It is right that the Court has acquitted Päivi Räsänen for her 2019 Bible verse tweet. However, the conviction for a simple church pamphlet published decades ago – before the law under which she has been convicted was even passed – is an outrageous example of state censorship. This decision will create a severe chilling effect for everyone’s right to speak freely,” Coleman said.

On one hand, efforts are being made to end the war in the Middle East, while on the other hand, rapid attacks on each other’s targets are also going on from both sides. Amid reports of ground attacks by the US Army, the Iranian Army has issued a strong warning to US President Donald Trump against ground action and island occupation in the Persian Gulf. It was clearly said from Tehran’s side that if the American army tried to occupy it, it would have to face the consequences.

Targeted at Trump

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters spokesperson and Brigadier General Ibrahim Zolfakari has issued a statement regarding this. He accused the US President of being under pressure from Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad because of his connection with the Epstein case. He described Trump as a ‘pawn’ to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

What did the Iranian military spokesperson say?

He said, ‘There is no doubt that US President Donald Trump is under pressure from the ‘terrorist organization’ Mossad due to his role in the Epstein case and has become a pawn of the Israeli Prime Minister in the war against Iran.’ Zolfakari further said in his statement, ‘If any ground attack or occupation is launched by enemy countries, the Iranian army is fully prepared to wipe out the American forces. US Army soldiers and commanders will become food for sharks in the Persian Gulf.

Iran’s warning amid fear of ground attack

This warning from the Iranian military spokesperson has come at a time when reports are coming out that the US is planning to conduct a ground campaign for weeks.
The Washington Post reported on Saturday that as the war in the Middle East entered its fifth week, the Pentagon is preparing for several weeks of ground operations in Iran, including Kharg Island and coastal sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump did not approve

The American Post quoted unnamed American officials as saying that it has not yet been decided whether President Donald Trump will approve any of these plans. The report said any ground operation would not be a full-scale invasion.

efforts to end war

At the same time, efforts to end the war have also intensified. Pakistan has taken the initiative to mediate between Iran and America. Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt are coming together in Islamabad to discuss reducing tension. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdellatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reached Islamabad on March 29 to attend this meeting. Let us tell you, this meeting is going to be organized in Pakistan on March 29 and 30.

A Southwest seating policy has ignited a heated fat-shaming debate on TikTok and Instagram, with passengers strongly divided over whether the rule is just “common sense” — or “anxiety-inducing.”

Several passengers have gone viral in recent weeks for saying the airline’s new “customer of size” policy has been humiliating. But many travelers praise the airline, noting that it’s unfair of others to “spill over” into the next seat. 

The policy asks passengers who need extra space to purchase a second seat in advance. It also allows the airline to make the determination on a case-by-case basis — citing safety reasons and overall passenger comfort.

PASSENGERS RIP AIRLINE FOR NEW SEATING POLICY: ‘IT IS AS BAD AS EVERYONE IS SAYING’

But as some people see it, the policy doesn’t clearly define the criteria that’s used — making the rules feel arbitrary, critics say.

“We began communicating changes to our policy — which is in line with industry standards — almost a year ago and continued reiterating those changes directly to customers throughout the summer,” Southwest Airlines told Fox News Digital in response to a request for comment. 

Several flight passengers (not pictured) have gone viral for saying Southwest’s new “customer of size” policy is confusing to them.  (iStock)

The extra seat rule, as well as other policies, went into effect Jan. 27, the company said.

If a second seat is purchased at the airport, travelers must pay the current same-day fare, which may be higher than their original ticket price.

BAGGAGE HANDLER SLAMMED AFTER VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS GUITARS VIOLENTLY TOSSED ON TARMAC

The airline says the armrest serves as a boundary between seats. It also notes it may require a passenger to obtain an extra seat at its own discretion for safety reasons.

Meg Elison, an author in the San Francisco Bay Area known for discussing body positivity issues, related on social media that she recently took a trip in which she had to fly six times in five days. 

Southwest Airlines’ policy asks any passengers who may need extra space to purchase a second seat in advance. (iStock)

On her first flight, the gate agents didn’t ask her to buy a second seat, she said.

On her second leg between St. Louis, Missouri and Little Rock, Arkansas, she was stopped by an agent, she recounted.

OUT-OF-CONTROL AIRLINE PASSENGER CAUGHT ON VIDEO RIPPING INTO FLIGHT CREW IN ‘SAD’ MELTDOWN

“My gate agent immediately walked away from me without saying anything to my face,” she said in a TikTok video.

“The supervisor came back and said, ‘You’re going to have to buy a second seat.'”

If a second seat is bought at the airport, travelers need to pay the current same-day fare, according to the airline.  (iStock)

Elison said she believes the policy is inconsistent. 

She told followers she’d bought a second seat in the past to have extra space — so she doesn’t understand why the airline didn’t notify her in advance this time around.

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One of her followers responded with her own experience. “I had to fly Southwest for a work trip last month, and it was the most anxiety-inducing experience I have had in years.

“The thought of having to purchase a second seat and explain that on my petty cash reconciliation notes to my employer nearly sent me into cardiac arrest!” the follower added.

The airline says the armrest between seats serves as the clear boundary.  (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News )

Another frequent Southwest traveler said she had a similar experience.

“It ruined our trip,” the woman said in a TikTok video. “If I had gotten in the seat and someone had complained, and I’m encroaching in the space, I get that. The problem is, what is your process, Southwest?”

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Her followers were divided about that experience.

One said, “I’m sorry, dear. … Having to share my seat with someone who was much larger than their seats was incredibly stressful. I had a full panic attack because that person was literally on me.”

“Our goal is always to provide a comfortable experience for everyone on board.”

Another commenter had more sympathy. 

“The policy seems arbitrary and capricious on top of being somewhat discriminatory,” the person wrote.

“We ask customers who may need an extra seat to let us know in advance of their day of travel so we can do our best to accommodate their needs,” said Southwest about its policies.  (Anna Moneymaker)

Southwest Airlines maintains a clear point of view. 

“Our policy is well-defined on our website and has instructions on how to book a second seat at booking,” the airline said.

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“We ask customers who may need an extra seat to let us know in advance of their day of travel so we can do our best to accommodate their needs,” the airline continued.

“If you need two seats, you buy them.”

“Our goal is always to provide a comfortable experience for everyone on board. However, with assigned seating, adjacent seats may sometimes already be occupied.”

Many Southwest passengers have been applauding the change.

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One Instagram user wrote, “Good! Nothing should be free. If you need two seats, you buy them.”

Another simply said, “Seems like common sense to me.”

Southwest’s customer support online help center lays out its position on the seating policy, including this note: “If you require more than one seat, we strongly recommend that you book both seats when making your reservation to ensure availability.”

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is calling for Republicans to provide Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with enough funding to last a decade.

He believes Republicans can do that without the support of a single Democrat.

“We can do it with just 50 votes,” Cruz said.

Lawmakers in the Senate agreed early on Friday to advance funding for DHS that includes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Coast Guard, the Secret Service and seven other agencies — even as gridlock over ICE remains firmly in place.

SCHUMER, DEMS BLOCK DHS FUNDING AGAIN, TRUMP INTERVENES TO PAY TSA AGENTS

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, holds a press conference with families who lost loved ones in the Jan. 29, 2025. (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

Cruz believes that Democrat opposition to funding the agency will only continue, promoting the possibility of future shutdowns.

“I think we may very well be in a world where these Senate Democrats will never again vote to fund ICE, that they’re simply saying, ‘shut down,’” Cruz said.

Like the rest of DHS, funding for ICE lapsed on February 14 when Democrats made their support for the agency conditional on a set of 10 operational reforms.

Among other items, Democrats had called for a ban on masks for ICE agents, stiffer warrant requirements for apprehending suspects in public, a ban on roaming patrols and requirements for clearly visible identification — demands Republicans argued would handcuff Trump’s immigration enforcement goals.

Cruz believes Republicans can still advance funding without meeting any of those demands through a process called “reconciliation” that would allow Republicans to get around a filibuster.

“You need 60 votes to pass funding for the government. We only have 53 Republicans, and so we need at least seven Democrats. Reconciliation, which is how we passed the [Big Beautiful Bill] last year, we can do with just Republicans,” Cruz said.

DHS SHUTDOWN BREAKTHROUGH COMES AT COST FOR REPUBLICANS AS FUNDING FIGHTS NEARS END

President Donald Trump signs a funding bill on Nov. 12, 2025. (Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

THUNE, GOP BLAST DEMS IN DHS STANDOFF AS LANKFORD SAYS THEY FEAR ICE OVER IRAN

“And so, what I’ve argued to my colleagues is let’s take up reconciliation, and let’s fund ICE for the next decade, because the Democrats are going to vote against ICE funding for the foreseeable future, I think, potentially forever,” Cruz said.

While lawmakers can’t use that vehicle to change existing policies or set new ones, Cruz argues Republicans can certainly use it to add to ICE’s existing provisions, putting the agency’s funding beyond the influence of another shutdown.

In some ways, it’s a plan Republicans have already done once before.

Republicans funded ICE to the tune of $75 billion last year through Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. Cruz’s plan would take the same principle and extend it. At levels from 2025, base funding ICE and its removal operations for 10 years would cost roughly $100 billion.

Cruz believes passing those appropriations is consistent with the mandate Republicans received when they won over a governing trifecta in the 2024 elections.

SENATE REPUBLICANS MOVE TO REOPEN DHS WITH NEW PLAN, WAIT FOR DEMOCRATIC BUY-IN

FILE – Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Feb. 20, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md.  (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)

“The American people said, enough. President Trump and Republican Congress have an incredible record of success on securing the border. We have seen illegal border crossings drop 99%. We’ve seen the murder rate across the country drop 20%. We’ve seen the drug overdose rate nationally drop 20%.

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“It is literally the case that there are thousands of Americans alive today because President Trump was reelected, and because we have a Republican House and Senate.”

Instead of passing the Senate’s plan, the House advanced its own package late Friday night, which would extend DHS funding at current levels for two months, buying more time for lawmakers to continue negotiations over ICE.