STOCKHOLM, May 9, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Sweden’s high court has said it will review the hate crimes acquittal of a pastor convicted last year for so-called hate crimes for preaching against homosexuality in a sermon in 2003.
Ake Green, the pastor of a Swedish Pentecostal church in Kalmar, Sweden, was given a 30-day suspended sentence in July by a Swedish court for inciting hatred against homosexuals. Green was prosecuted in January 2004 for “hate speech against homosexuals” for a sermon he preached citing Biblical references to homosexuality. In February 2005, an appeals court overturned the conviction, saying it is not unlawful to preach ones beliefs from the pulpit.
Sweden’s chief prosecutor disagreed with the appeal court’s conclusion, claiming the sermon did in fact amount to hate speech, and ordered a review of the case Monday. A date for the review was not announced.
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Swedish Pastor wins Appeal of Hate Crimes Conviction
Catholic League Notes Results of Homosexual Hate Crime Law in Other Countries as Warning to Canada
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