Global threat

The struggles of a Finnish Christian might seem far away but attempts to censor certain beliefs deemed disagreeable are underway in many countries. This month, parliament passed the first ‘thoughtcrime’ in modern British history into law.

By rolling out nationwide censorship zones around abortion facilities, the new Public Order Bill prohibits any form of ‘influence,’ including silent prayer and consensual conversations, within a 150-meter radius of abortion clinics in England and Wales. At least three people have come under fire for simply standing and silently praying on the public streets.

In Mexico, Congressman Gabriel Quadri was convicted as a ‘political violator against women’ for expressing concern that men who identify as women have taken spaces in congress reserved for women. This took place despite a Mexican law which requires 50/50 representation of men and women in congress. He made the point that it is an injustice for males to take advantage of the law to gain access to political positions designated for women.

The tweets contained no foul language, named no particular person, and in no way amounted to an incitement to violence. But for standing up for women’s opportunities, he was convicted and could now suffer egregious personal and professional consequences.

Perhaps the most extreme example of this global silencing and sanctioning trend is in Nigeria. In 2020, Sufi musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death for ‘blasphemy.’ He was convicted after posting song lyrics that he had composed to WhatsApp in which Yahaya spoke about a 19th-century Imam revered in his particular tradition of Sufi Islam.

Yahaya then was accused of blasphemy for allegedly placing the Imam above the prophet Muhammad. He has appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria and is challenging the constitutionality of the Sharia-based blasphemy laws, with support from ADF International. He remains in prison, his life hanging in the balance.

Few are the corners of the world spared the winds of censorship. From Twitter to WhatsApp messages to silent prayer on public streets, the fundamental human right to pray and think in accordance with one’s convictions is under attack. Let’s take Räsänen’s words to heart:

“Now it is time to speak. Because the more we are silent, the narrower the space for freedom of speech and religion grows.”