Finland blocked in giving priority to Christian refugees – and more from CNE’s podcast

## No multiple parenthood in the Netherlands The Dutch government will not create a legal framework for families with more than two parents.

Although research shows that having more than two parents can benefit some children from diverse backgrounds, the government finds it too costly and too complex to implement.

The estimated cost could initially range from 11 to 50 million euros and 5 to 6 million euros yearly. No funds are reserved for this in the national budget, and the necessary government agencies are already overwhelmed.

The decision primarily affects “rainbow families,” where a child has three or more parents from birth, like in some lesbian or gay couples. Experts believe legal recognition could stabilise children and parents in areas like medical care and inheritance. However, past efforts to make such changes were stopped due to the sensitive and complicated nature of the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed disappointment with this decision, saying it leaves children and parents in these families unsupported.

Commissioner Lahbib asks for more women’s rights

The European Commission’s new roadmap for women’s rights, presented by equality commissioner Hadja Lahbib, focuses on improving women’s health, including equal access to, for instance, abortion.

Lahbib highlighted that women suffer higher death rates from conditions like heart attacks due to historical bias in medical research. The roadmap did not address the issue of abortion directly. Lahbib stated that abortion policy remains up to individual EU member states despite noting a global trend against reproductive rights. Lahbib is concerned about this trend.

Liberal and left MEPs criticised the roadmap for lacking ambition, particularly in terms of sexual and reproductive rights, and for not including abortion as a fundamental right.

While abortion is widely accessible across the EU, countries like Poland and Malta have severe restrictions, and debates continue over whether abortion should be included in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Some EU leaders are hesitant to support this. As long as this is the case, abortion remains to be a matter of the member states.

Finland blocked in giving priority to Christian refugees

The Finnish Discrimination Ombudsman has criticised Mari Rantanen’s Ministry of Home Affairs for discriminatory practices in preparing Finland’s refugee quota for 2025.

The Ombudsman found that the Ministry prioritised Christian refugees over Muslim refugees, which goes against the law and leads to discrimination.

Ombudsman Kristina Stenman called this decision open Islamophobia, as it violates fundamental rights. The situation is now under investigation by the Chancellor of Justice.

In response, Minister Rantanen has not commented directly but stated the Ministry is reviewing the Ombudsman’s opinion and waiting for the Chancellor’s judgment.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo expressed continued trust in Rantanen, stating that the Chancellor of Justice would handle the legal review. However, opposition parties, including the Greens and the Left, are calling for Rantanen’s resignation and a vote of no confidence, with some even accusing her of breaking the constitutional principle of equality and freedom of religion. Mrs Rantanen belongs to the right-wing True Finns party, which is critical of mass migration.

Finland sees more young men in church

Recent research in Finland shows that young men are becoming more interested in Christianity than young women.

Traditionally, women have been more religious than men, especially in Christian societies. However, studies in Finland show that young men are increasingly committed to their faith. In confirmation classes, 50 per cent of boys said they believed in God in 2023, which rose to 62 per cent in 2024. Girls are also showing more interest, with 50 per cent saying they believe in God in 2024, up from 35 per cent in previous years. Evangelical Focus is publishing this.

In Finland, 60 per cent of people identify as Christians, with most congregations in rural areas. However, surveys suggest that young people in cities are more religious than those in rural areas at the moment. This may be due to higher immigration in cities, where people are more open about their faith.

Overall, younger generations, especially Gen Z, seem more open to traditional religions like Christianity than older generations.