Finland's Chancellor of Justice has cleared Justice Minister Leena Meri of legal violations regarding her comments about a citizen's initiative to ban conversion therapy. The official found no unlawful conduct in her statements to media.
Meri told press that her ministry could not prepare legislation for the recently approved initiative. She cited resource constraints and lack of political consensus among government parties.
Chancellor of Justice Janne Salminen noted Meri's remarks were partially rash. They may have created misleading impressions about the initiative's purpose and Parliament's role as the supreme state body.
Several complaints prompted the Chancellor's review of the matter.
Parliament approved the 'Unbroken - Ban Conversion Therapies' initiative in March with 125 votes for and 49 against. The measure demanded legislative preparation to criminalize conversion therapies.
Most political parties supported banning conversion therapies except the Finns Party, Christian Democrats and Liike Nyt.
Conversion therapies refer to treatments attempting to change sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices aim to make people heterosexual, for example.
The minister's comments created unnecessary confusion about a clearly supported legislative process. Political disagreements should not undermine democratic procedures once Parliament has decided.