Freedom of Association Doctrine in Finland

Abstract

Freedom of association in Finland is an old, fundamental right protected by the Constitution. However, the legislation protecting the right is from the period before the fundamental rights reform of 1995 following Finland’s accession to the Council of Europe in 1990. Key issues are freedom of religion in the registration conditions of religious communities and mandatory membership in student unions. In addition, the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative Court have issued rulings that have significantly shaped Finland’s doctrine of freedom of association.