discrimination

30.03.2022

Effective measures are needed to tackle hate speech against LGBTIQA+ people

The charges were brought against Päivi Räsänen’s publications and public statements, which, according to the prosecutor, degrade and discriminate against gays. The prosecutor considered that Räsänen’s opinions violate equality and dignity of gays, and thus limits of freedom of speech and belief.

— It is important that hate speech directed at LGBTIQA+ people is dealt in the courts even when it is displayed in a religious context or is motivated by religion, says Kerttu Tarjamo, Secretary General of the human rights organisation Seta.

The District Court has judged that Päivi Räsänen’s public opinions do not amount to incitement to hatred as defined in the Penal code.

— It is obvious that Räsänen’s public opinions regarding gay people are deeply offensive to many persons belonging to sexual minorities. We hope that the matter will still be dealt with by the highest courts.

Tarjamo points out that the district court’s decision does not mean that freedom of expression or freedom of religion can be freely used to justify discrimination or hate speech. Not all hate speech is punishable under the Penal Code, it can also be harassment within the meaning of the Non-Discrimination Act.

Seta considers it important that the Non-Discrimination Act be reformed, for example, so that harassment can be considered to target not only an individual but also a group of people, and that a harassment case can be referred to the Non-Discrimination and Equality Board without the need to name a victim.

According to Seta, the court proceedings indicate that hate speech against minorities is taken more seriously in Finland than before and that the understanding about the harmfulness of hate speech is progressing. LGBTIQA+ people are one of the groups that face a lot of hate speech in Finland, already in school environments. Yet most of it remains hidden.

According to the European Agency for Fundamental Rights, nine out of ten people do not report harassment of sexual orientation or gender. Underreporting of both discrimination and hate crimes is common and the reasons are, among other things, that reporting is not believed to lead to anything.

Seta emphasises that leading politicians and parties also have a special responsibility for tackling hate speech – the minimum requirement would be to at least refrain from making hateful and degrading comments in public. Räsänen’s opinions are likely to reinforce prejudice against LGBTIQA+ people and legitimise discrimination against them.

— It is a high time that a generation of LGBTIQA+ kids could grow up in Finland without being exposed to the hurtful opinions about LGBTIQA+ people made by leading politicians.

More Information:

Kerttu Tarjamo
p. +358 50 309 8108
kerttu.tarjamo@seta.fi

Kerttu Tarjamo press picture

23.11.2021

Seta’s general assembly: trans people’s rights must not be trampled in the name of feminism

Statement 14th of November

LGBTI people’s rights are facing significant opposition, which in Europe shows particularly as opposition to trans and non-binary people’s rights. A wide range of actors oppose LGBTI people’s rights with a view to defend “traditional family values” and gender roles and to undermine women’s, LGBTI people’s and other groups’ right to their body. The intention is to deny trans and non-binary people’s control over their own gender and body.

Trans people’s rights are also being opposed in the name of feminism This implies a narrow definition of womanhood, and the intention is to exclude trans and non-binary persons from the definition. It is alleged that trans women pose a threat to the equality or even safety of cis women. These claims define womanhood narrowly, relying on old concepts of gender. Research has shown, however, that these security threats are completely unjustified, and the feelings of insecurity are due to active scaremongering. False fears can be alleviated by increasing awareness of gender diversity.

Categorising women into “real” and “other” kinds of women does nothing to promote women’s rights. On the contrary, it will empower those who aim to restrict women’s rights.

Seta’s general assembly concludes that women’s rights can be promoted only by taking the diversity of women into account. For example, violence against women is an experience shared by both cis and trans women as well as many non-binary persons. Women’s experiences differ because of factors such as ethnic background, skin colour and ability to function. Promoting issues specific to cis women does not necessitate the discrimination of trans people. Therefore, feminism needs to take the diversity of women and various experiences into account.

Seta’s general assembly appeals to feminist organisations to clearly denounce feminism that opposes the rights of trans women and non-binary persons. We encourage feminist organisations to invite trans and non-binary persons to engage in equality debate and consider together how to promote women’s rights without discrimination.

General assembly was held 2021 as an online meeting on 13th and 14th of November.

19.09.2012

Seta will address the UN Human Rights Council in a historical first speech

Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland will participate in the UPR review of Finland’s human rights situation today at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations. Seta will raise legislative and policy demands in a statement delivered by ILGA-Europe.

Finland has accepted a recommendation by Iceland to increase efforts in the field of discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, inter alia, by review of national legislation and administration with a view to eliminate discrimination against LGBTI people with regard to family and parental rights and the right to security and integrity of the person.

Seta welcomes this but will present demands and suggestions for concrete and effective implementation of the recommendation. Especially trans and intersex persons are at risk of discrimination and social exclusion. Full statement by Seta will be available online at the time of the debate at www.seta.fi.

Every member state of the UN undergoes the UPR human rights review every four years. This is the second time that Finland is being reviewed.

The debate will be held between 5pm and 6pm CET. Watch the live stream here.

More information: Aija Salo, Secretary General, Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland, tel. +358 (0)50 309 8108, paasihteeri[at]seta.fi

19.09.2012

Finland should take action for LGBTI rights also domestically

Speech by ILGA-Europe and Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland in the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, 19th September 2012.

UPR: Finland

ILGA-Europe and Seta – LGBTI Rights in Finland

United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 19th September 2012

Mr. President,

we commend Finland for accepting the recommendation to increase its efforts in combating discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. We are looking forward to an effective and comprehensive implementation of the commitment.

Whilst we welcome the progress delivered by this Government, significant challenges still remain. Trans and intersex persons face serious discrimination. Gender nonconforming children face transphobic bullying in schools. Discrimination in the employment market is common, and many trans persons remain unemployed. Intersex children sometimes suffer serious mental and physical complications due to surgical operations that lack medical grounds.

The government states that a working group will be appointed to examine the need to amend the Act on Legal Recognition of the Gender of Transsexuals. We urge the government to proceed with this commitment very soon. Persons applying for gender marker change currently face degrading conditions such as infertility requirement that shows the legislator´s lack of understanding the everyday lives of trans persons, of which many already have children and families.

The government states that a possible need to amend family legislation will be discussed. Currently there are several legislative procedures where the equal treatment of LGBTI people´s families should be taken into account. Children should not be treated unequally depending on their parents´ gender.

We note that the recently adopted National Action Plan for Human Rights, has very few references to LGBTI people. This places a serious challenge on the government to show concrete commitment to policies to improve the human rights of LGBTI people. While many authorities are working on improving the equality of LGBTI persons, there is a need for a more coherent and coordinated policy. We suggest drafting a comprehensive LGBTI policy action plan and defining responsibilities for implementation and monitoring the plan.

Finally, we thank Finland for a constructive dialogue during the UPR process and stand ready for further interaction to ensure that all LGBTI people can enjoy their citizenship in full equality.

Thank you, Mr. President.