In Helsinki, some 100,000 people took part in Pride festivities on Saturday despite rainy weather, police said. Participants marched from Senate Square to Kaivopuisto Park, where a party with live bands began around 1pm. By 3pm the entire procession had arrived at the park.
Helsinki Police Chief Jarmo Heinonen estimated in mid-afternoon that there were around 100,000 participants, but pointed out that such estimates are more difficult when marchers are holding umbrellas.
According to Heinonen, this year's procession moved a little more slowly than in previous years. He said that from the police standpoint, the event had gone well, with no reported disturbances or threats.
"Police haven't really had to intervene in anything," Heinonen told Yle as the procession was still in progress. He noted that festivities were expected to go on until late in the evening, urging patience from the public.
In 2011, three men were convicted of carrying out a tear gas and pepper spray attack on the previous year's Helsinki Pride event.
The Park Celebration was scheduled to last until 7pm, with a series of live shows hosted by Cristal Snow, featuring saxophonist Linda Fredriksson, indie pop artist Knife Girl soul/R&B vocalist Isaac Sene and pop singer Benjamin. That was to be followed by an after-party at the park's Kaivohuone nightclub from 8pm to 4am.
SPP minister defends participation
Among those marching in the parade were Helsinki mayor Juhana Vartiainen and deputy mayor Daniel Sazonov. They both represent Prime Minister Petteri Orpo's National Coalition Party, which in May was excluded as an official partner by Helsinki Pride due to its lack of consistent support for the new trans law, which Parliament approved in February. The Helsinki Pride organisation likewise dropped the opposition Centre Party as a partner for the same reason.
The news agency STT reported that two newly appointed NCP cabinet members, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Kai Mykkänen and Minister of Science and Culture Sari Multala, also attended the event.
Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz was part of a delegation from the Swedish People's Party that marched in the parade. He also marched with a group carrying a banner reading Council of State, i.e., the government.
That sparked a tweet from former Christian Democrats chair and interior minister Päivi Räsänen, whose conservative party is in the cabinet. She asked: "With whose permission and decision did the Council of State participate in the Helsinki Pride 2023 event?"
In a reply, Adlercreutz said: "Naturally, the Council of State participates in an event that supports equality."
In 2021, Räsänen was acquitted of hate speech charges due to her statements about homosexuality. The court found that they were offensive but did not cross the line into incitement against a minority group.