Finland media boss fined for discriminating against lesbian newspaper editor
The chief executive of one of Finland’s largest media companies has been fined for discriminating on the grounds of sexual orientation.
On Monday, Helsinki Appeals Court ordered Kai Telanne, chief executive of Alma Media, to pay a combined total of nearly 20,000 euros (£17,070) in fines and legal fees.
The court heard that Mr Telanne hired Johanna Korhonen to edit the Lapin Kansa newspaper, but cancelled the contract before she started work.
YLE reports it followed Mr Telanne’s realisation that Ms Korhonen’s registered partner is a woman who also happened to be politically active.
Mr Telanne said in a statement that he is considering appealing the case at the country’s Supreme Court. He denied that the contract was annulled for the reasons claimed by Ms Korhonen.
His company publishes more than 30 newspapers.
Gay couples in Finland have had the right to registered partnerships since 2002, although the country is yet to legalise same-sex marriage.
