Post: #1

http://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/finnis...ge/9466357

Quote:Finnish Parliament votes down bid to repeal same-sex marriage

A citizens’ initiative to void Finland’s gender-neutral marriage law was rejected on the parliamentary floor on Friday by a 120 to 48 vote. The initiative to keep marriage between a man and woman gained over 100,000 signatures.

Finnish MPs defeated a bill to strike down same-sex marriage on February 17. Opposition to the proposal was strong, as 120 parliamentarians voted against it, with 48 in support. Two members of parliament voted absent and 29 MPs did not cast a vote.

A Finnish movement called Aito avioliitto (True Marriage) that seeks to uphold marriage as a union between a man and a woman in the law, was the instigator of the citizens’ initiative. After six months of active campaigning, the group gathered over 100,000 signatures by the September 29 deadline last autumn.

The Finnish Parliament approved a new law granting the same legal rights and protections to same-sex couples in December 2014. This law too originated with a citizens' initiative - the first and last so far to become a law since citizens’ initiatives were taken into use in Finland in 2012.

"All the animals were equal, but some animals were more equal than others"?

I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of Parliament were rainbow-folk themselves...

Post: #2

And oh, sweet Jesus, there's a Feminist Party in Finland too...

http://www.feministinenpuolue.fi/in-english/

Quote:The Time for Feminist Politics is Now

Feminist politics center the principle that no one is to be discriminated under any circumstance. With this principle, feminist politics introduces a critical dimension, which is currently lacking from politics. Feminist politics understands gender equality, human rights, and the abolition of all forms of oppression, as an ultimate goal, which can not be realized without distinct political action. It is not enough that political parties commit to equality, if they lack the concrete tools and analysis by which it can be achieved. Feminist politics makes itself crucial in a political climate where equality is being rolled back. As the Feminist Party, we offer the means with which to achieve a society free from all forms of oppression. We intend to realize this goal during our lifetimes.



Our Goals

Feminist politics strive for a society, where everyone has an equal opportunity with everyone else to realize their full potential regardless of gender, genderlessness, attributes prescribed on their race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, ability, class, religion or conviction, gender expression, gender identity, age, or nationality. Our politics focus on three primary pillars: gender equality, human rights, and human security.

GENDER EQUALITY

Currently, political parties are committed to equality, but they lack the concrete politics to actualize it. Rather than advancing equality, we have witnessed a severe regression in it and a substantial increase in societal injustice. The Feminist Party aims to strengthen the opportunities for women to gain equal employment and pay. The Feminist Party also aims to shorten the work day in order for labor and parenting to be more equally distributed and combined with employment.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Racism and discrimination are omnipresent forms of structural inequality. Access to housing and the labor market are significantly hindered if you don’t bear the ‘right’ name or color of skin. Many different kinds of families are not recognized by the rigid definitions of ‘family’ in legislation and directives. Day to day life can also be hindered if you don’t fit the invisible norm of an able bodied person. As the Feminist Party, we aim to abolish discrimination, update the definition of a ‘family’ to reflect the multiplicity of society, dismantle the laws that govern gender, and build a society accessible to everyone.

HUMAN SECURITY

People seeking refuge at the borders of Europe are dying and being killed. Violence against women is a global phenomenon and one of the biggest threats to individual security in Finland. Climate chaos poses a threat to everyone, especially for the poor, women, and indigenous peoples. We aim to secure the right to life and safety/shelter for everyone. We demand a security policy that is not defined by militarism and national borders; instead, we demand a security policy that centers the sovereignty of each person.



Why a new political party?

Conventional politics have been crafted to cater to the needs of specific interests groups and that have defined their politics in relation to capital and class interests. Conventional political ideologies have not, however, succeeded in solving discrimination, sexism and racism, which are known phenomenons in both capitalist and socialist societies. Unequal pay exists at all wage and salary levels. Gendered violence and violence against all minorities exists in all social classes. Entrance to the labour market is impeded for the children of immigrants. The discrimination against disabled people is a barrier that prevents equal access to participation in society and decision-making. Children, youth, and the elderly are cast aside in a society in which political power is primarily wielded by middle-aged people.

The differences between people are a lived reality which needs to be reflected in political decision making. We need a new political force that challenges existing ideologies and builds a just society for everyone.

What a bunch:

(WB the one on the right)

Last I heard, they had some trouble regarding the party leadership.
Apparently they insisted that three of their members should be the chair(wo)men.

Off to a glorious start, in other words...

Post: #3

Far Right WB

Post: #4

"We need a new political force that challenges existing ideologies and builds a just society for everyone."

Isn't this a paradox? Seeking individualism through use of collectivism seems like a ploy to just breed more collectivism.

Post: #5

There's also a joke in there somewhere about married Lesbians wanting to Finnish.

Post: #6

I guess they consider a heterosexual marriage to be UnFinnished Business.

God save us from people who mean well. -storm

Post: #7

(03-02-2017 12:35 AM)dongiovanni Wrote:  Far Right WB

Most of the time I'd agree...but not in this case