OPINION:
A Helsinki court acquitted Dr. Paivi Rasanen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola of all charges in a hate-speech case, ruling that “it is not for the district court to interpret biblical concepts” (“Evangelical politician, bishop in Finland cleared of ’hate speech’ charges over remarks on gays,” Web, March 30). The decision marks a victory for religious freedom in Finland, which has become increasingly hostile toward Christianity and those who speak out against homosexuality.
As the proverb goes, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” That the two defendants judiciously defended the free exercise of religion amid unremitting persecution is a tribute to them. Their example is one the rest of Finland would do well to observe.
BRIAN STUCKEY
Denver
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