Posted on 11/29/2005 1:00:34 AM PST by fdsa2
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- Sweden's highest court on Tuesday acquitted a Pentecostal pastor accused of hate speech for having denounced homosexuality as a "cancerous tumor" in a sermon.
Ake Green's contentious sermon in 2003 was protected by freedom of speech and religion under the European Convention on Human Rights, the Supreme Court said in a 16-page ruling.
Green, 64, became the first clergyman convicted under Sweden's hate crimes legislation, when a lower court found him guilty of inciting hatred against homosexuals. An appeals court overturned the ruling earlier this year, but Sweden's chief prosecutor appealed the acquittal to the Supreme Court.
Green said the Supreme Court ruling was a relief both for him other preachers.
"This means we can continue to speak the way we have, and therefore it feels very good that they have ruled in way that that there should not be any infringement in our way of preaching," he told Swedish public radio.
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(Excerpt) Read more at hosted.ap.org ...
What, does the Gaystapo got moles sitting in the pews of every church recording sermons?
Free speech sanity breaks out in Sweden.
Some good news for a change for your ping list.
Our church has had observers from time to time, especially near election time. And yes, they do make recordings.
So what happens if a random citizen says this in a public park, instead of a cleric at the pulpit?
Homosexual Agenda Ping.
Good news. The famous Swedish pastor is now acquitted. The truth can be told without fear of arrest. For those of you who haven't read his sermon, here's a link, and it doesn't sound hateful at all; in face, read to the end.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1527923/posts?q=1&&page=1
Is Homosexuality Genetic or an Evil Force that Plays Mind Games with People?
AkeGreen.org ^ | July 20, 2003 | Ake Green
Freepmail me and DirtyHarryY2K if you want on/off this pinglist.
Wonderful news! Too bad that this pastor had to go all the way to the supreme court to have this injustice overturned. I wish this story had received more coverage in the US, though. Too many people here think countries like Sweden are so "enlightened and tolerant" and that is far from reality.
If declaring a wrong behavior wrong is hate speech and discrimination then so be it.
I don´t think so, but I remember reading that to this specific sermon Mr. Green had invited media especially to make a point.
I am sure Mr. Green feels it was well worth it.
Any parent knows that if you love your children, sometimes harsh words must be used. If you love your friends, sometimes you tell them the truth, if they're about to do something harmful, even if it hurts.
Love isn't always ooey gooey pats on the head and hand holding. Did not Jesus love everyone? Yes? Did he use harsh words, critical speech, and even a whip to get the money changers out of his father's house?
Love in action.
Good news!
Praise God! I've been following his case with some interest for a while now, that's wonderful news that he was acquitted. I should probably tell my friends on another message board, if they don't already know.
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