European authorities are systematically censoring Christianity under the guise of hate speech laws
Source: Joy Pullmann. "Banned Book Author: 'It Is Christianity They Are Trying To Censor'." May 21, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that European governments are using hate speech laws as a cover to systematically silence Christian voices and teachings. She points to a Finnish case where Christians were prosecuted for writing about traditional Biblical views on sexuality, and claims this is part of a broader European crackdown on religious freedom that's spreading globally through internet censorship.
Conclusion
European authorities are using hate speech laws and internet censorship to systematically suppress Christian expression and religious freedom, extending beyond individual cases to a broader attack on Christianity itself
Premises
- Finnish courts convicted Bishop Juhana Pohjola and MP Paivi Rasanen for writing and publishing a book discussing traditional Christian teachings about sexuality, despite acquitting them at lower courts
- The conviction allows Christians to quote the Bible but prohibits them from discussing, explaining, or teaching what it says, effectively criminalizing theological discourse
- Similar restrictions on free speech and religious expression are spreading across Europe, with countries like Germany, Belgium, and the UK prosecuting citizens for speech crimes
- The EU's Digital Services Act censors online discussion of topics including LGBT activism and criticism of EU policies, affecting both Europeans and Americans globally
- European authorities are not only banning Christian speech but actively trying to prevent global awareness of these bans through internet censorship
- Multiple U.S. officials and international organizations have condemned these prosecutions as violations of religious freedom and free speech rights
Assumptions
- Traditional Christian teachings about sexuality constitute legitimate religious expression deserving protection
- The ability to discuss and explain religious texts is essential to religious freedom
- These prosecutions represent coordinated policy rather than isolated incidents
- Hate speech laws are being misapplied to suppress legitimate religious discourse
- European censorship policies have illegitimate extraterritorial effects on American citizens