Imatra Vicar Plans Gender Reassignment Surgery

A local Imatra vicar's announcement that he plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery is forcing the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church to take a stance on sex change. The minister, Olli Aalto, who is taking a temporary leave of absence, intends to begin hormone treatments. After this, he will undergo surgery and physically become a woman.

Voitto Huotari, the bishop of the local Mikkeli diocese, says Aalto can no longer continue in his job. Aalto considers this view to be blatantly discriminatory.

Aalto says he has been encouraged to leave the Church. However, firing him would break equality law. Aalto says he's considering taking the Church to court if he is expelled from his job.

"Pressuring me to leave is already discrimination," says Aalto.

Aalto says he is tired of leading a double life. He says extensive studies have diagnosed him as a transsexual. Aalto says the Church has a responsibility to provide work for someone who has been a faithful servant.

Huotari will pay a visit to Aalto next week to discuss whether his decision to change genders will affect his future in the Church.

The Church, which is already now struggling with falling membership rates and disputes over women ministers, is now left grappling with yet an other burning issue.