While the U.S. is committed to restore one of the most fundamental human rights, the European model encourages governments to dictate ‘acceptable speech’ and criminalize dissent.
If we truly have the right to freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion, can silent prayer in a public place ever be a crime?
It was exactly one year ago, on a cold, dark winter evening in January 2022, when Paul Coleman arrived in Helsinki for the modern-day heresy trial of Finnish MP Dr. Päivi Räsänen and Bishop Juhana Pohjola.
What started as an allegedly rare and ‘kindly’ way to ease the suffering of the terminally ill has ballooned into a government program offering death as an escape from loneliness, depression, or even poverty and homelessness.
The law would make it illegal to tell a woman seeking an abortion that help, if she needs it—baby supplies, housing, or a network of support—is available to her.
When someone faces criminal charges for voicing their beliefs, everyone—whether they agree or not—should pay attention. The reality is that if the government can threaten and punish Caroline or Päivi for their convictions, they can punish anyone.
Criminalizing the speech of half a billion people is a serious matter and those pushing for it must come up with something more convincing than ‘hate is hate.’ Enough is enough!
