The Interfaith Dialogue Commission of Spain issued a statement on Tuesday expressing its disapproval of the proposed repeal of the law criminalizing offenses against religious sentiments in Spain’s Penal Code.
Among its members was Bishop Timotei, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal.
Concerns Over Legal Reform
Religious representatives’ concerns arose after Félix Bolaños García, Spain’s Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Courts, announced on September 17 a comprehensive reform of the Penal Code, including the repeal of Article 525. This law penalizes actions such as attacking, offending, insulting, and mocking the religious feelings of individuals or groups.
Violation of the European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights guarantees that the rule of law includes both political and religious pluralism, ensuring freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. These rights form the essential foundations of a democratic society.
In this context, repealing the article protecting religious sentiments effectively and legally undermines these fundamental rights and freedoms.
“The repeal of this crime, listed among offenses related to the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly those against freedom of conscience, has been justified as a way to protect freedom of expression better,” religious leaders emphasized.
Call for Dialogue Between Faiths and the State
The Convention aims to protect specific rights, imposing both negative and positive obligations on the contracting state.
As citizens and representatives of religious communities, the commission members respect and uphold the right to free expression, exercising it through their statement, which aligns with Spain’s democratic constitutional provision (Article 20.1.a).
At the same time, they assert the right of Christians to express their religious sentiments freely.
“We recall that tolerating insults, stereotypes, hurtful jokes, and ridicule sometimes lead to more serious behaviors such as threats, attacks, or other violent acts against believers and places of worship, a trend currently rising across Europe.”
“As representatives of our communities and with the desire to build a fairer society while contributing to the richness of our religious traditions, we extend a hand to our leaders for respectful dialogue concerning the proposed repeal of the law protecting religious sentiments. This measure significantly violates the right to religious freedom and any decision-making process affecting this fundamental right, as stipulated by Royal Decree 932/2013 of November 29,” the religious representatives concluded.
Photo: Cope.es
Source: basilica.ro
