From: Hannele Lehtikuusi <haski@seta.fi>
Subject: UPDATE/Finland, March 5
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 1996 16:28:20 +0200 (EET)


> 
> 
> Finland /Latest, March 5
> Hannele Lehtikuusi, chairperson
> SETA
> 
> 
> 
> Finnish newspapers have had a vivid discussion in editorials as well
> as letters to the editor on same-sex marriage. Most of the contributions
> have been serious reflecting various juridical implications of a separe
> act. Views expressed on religious initiatives have mainly concentrated
> on the damages that the same-sex marriage would cause to society and
> Christian marriage.
> 
> The discussion will be kept going thanks to an appeal by prominent
> cultural performers. Finnish cultural workers and political leaders
> published an appeal in Helsinki today. It was signed by 181 public
> leaders: actors, writers, graphic designers, scientists,
> people in research, dance artists, visual artists, theologists,
> recognized translators, medical doctors, lawyers and many others.
> As a curiosity, it should be noted that the appeal was also signed
> by a former main trainer of the national hockey team, Mr Alpo Suhonen.
> 
> The initiator of the appeal was Ms Irina Krohn, a Green MP. The appeal
> was addressed to Mr Paavo Lipponen, the Prime Minister and the Members
> of the Parliament. The text of the appeal highlights a worry about the
> unwillingness to take up the issue, a law bill to ensure a human and
> legal position of same-sexed couples in society. The appeal states that
> a partnership of two persons of same sex is based on mutual love. The
> appeal also touches upon the situation of children and the need for
> ensuring the rights of children in same-sexed families. The signatories
> to the appeal demand an improvement of this human rights issue without
> delay. The appeal was published by Ms Raija Sollamo, assistant professor
> and dean of the Theological Faculty of Helsinki University at a press
> conference in Helsinki today, 5 March.
> 
> The appeal will be presented to Mr Paavo Lipponen, Prime Minister,
> by the end of the week. Mr Lipponen was today on business out of the 
> country.
> 
> 
>