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'''Åke Green''', born 3 June 1941, is a [[Christianity|Christian]] [[pastor]] who was sentenced to one month in prison under [[Sweden]]'s law against [[hate speech]] for preaching a sermon in his own church to his own congregation that condemned [[homosexuality]] as "a [[cancer]] on society".    Green was indicted on charges of "hate speech" for preaching God's holy scriptures to fellow believers in his church and sent to prison.

'''Åke Green''', born 3 June 1941, is a [[Christianity|Christian]] [[pastor]] who was sentenced to one month in prison under [[Sweden]]'s law against [[hate speech]] for preaching a sermon in his own church to his own congregation that condemned [[homosexuality]] as "a [[cancer]] on society".    Green was indicted on charges of "hate speech" for preaching God's holy scriptures to fellow believers in his church and sent to prison.

On February 11, 2005 a Swedish [[appeals court]], ''Göta hovrätt'', overturned the conviction and acquitted Åke Green as a result of international pressure and negative publicity.  On March 9, the Prosecutor-General of Sweden appealed this decision to the Supreme Court of Sweden, which on November 29 acquitted him as well.  

On February 11, 2005 a Swedish appeals court, ''Göta hovrätt'', overturned the conviction and acquitted Åke Green as a result of international pressure and negative publicity.  On March 9, the Prosecutor-General of Sweden appealed this decision to the Supreme Court of Sweden, which on November 29 acquitted him as well.  

In their opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that the pro-homosexual Swedish Law used to prosecute Green violated Article 9 of the [[European Convention on Human Rights]].

In their opinion, the Supreme Court ruled that the pro-homosexual Swedish Law used to prosecute Green violated Article 9 of the [[European Convention on Human Rights]].

At his church in Borgholm, Green delivered a sermon in which he described homosexuality as:

At his church in Borgholm, Green delivered a sermon in which he described homosexuality as:

'' ... abnormal, a horrible cancerous tumor in the body of society," ... homosexuals [are] perverts, whose sexual drive the [[Devil]] has used as his strongest weapon against God. ... A person cannot be a Christian and a homosexual at the same time... homosexuality is chosen, not inborn, and everybody can be set free and delivered...''

'' ... abnormal, a horrible cancerous tumor in the body of society, ... homosexuals [are] perverts, whose sexual drive the [[Devil]] has used as his strongest weapon against God. ... A person cannot be a Christian and a homosexual at the same time... homosexuality is chosen, not inborn, and everybody can be set free and delivered...''

Many Christians believe Ake Green to be a [[martyr]] for his [[faith]], and applaud his courage and testimony.  The prison sentence against Green created a global outcry among fundamental Christians against homosexual oppression of freedom of religion and freedom of speech for religious leaders who denounce homosexual behavior as sinful and contrary to God's teachings.

The prison sentence against Green created a global outcry against homosexual oppression of freedom of religion and freedom of speech for religious leaders who denounce homosexual behavior as sinful and contrary to God's teachings.

Controversial anti-homosexual activist [[Fred Phelps]] has praised Green, something that the Swedish pro-homosexual lobby has seized upon for publicity purposes. However, Green has distanced himself from Phelps, considering him to be a burden to his cause and reputation.  

Controversial anti-homosexual activist [[Fred Phelps]] praised Green, something that the Swedish pro-homosexual lobby seized upon for publicity purposes. However, Green distanced himself from Phelps, considering him to be a burden to his cause and reputation.  

== References ==

== References ==

*[http://www.hogstadomstolen.se/2005/Dom pa engelska B 1050-05.pdf Judgment of the Supreme Court (translated to English from Swedish)]

*[http://www.hogstadomstolen.se/2005/Dom pa engelska B 1050-05.pdf Judgment of the Supreme Court (translated to English from Swedish)]

[[Category:Religious People|Green, Ake]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Green,Ake}}

 

[[Category:Homosexuality and Religious Liberty]]

[[Category:Homosexuality and Religious Liberty]]

[[Category:Christians]]

[[Category:Ministers]]