The Interfaith Dialogue Commission of Spain has issued a statement expressing its disapproval of the proposed repeal of the law criminalizing offenses against religious sentiments in Spain’s Penal Code. Among its members is Bishop Timotei, the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Spain and Portugal.
Concerns Over Legal Reform
Religious representatives are concerned about the comprehensive reform of the Penal Code, including the repeal of Article 525, which penalizes actions such as attacking, offending, insulting, and mocking the religious feelings of individuals or groups. These concerns arose after Félix Bolaños García, Spain’s Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with the Courts, announced the reform on September 17.
Violation of the European Convention on Human Rights
The European Convention on Human Rights guarantees political and religious pluralism, ensuring freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression. Repealing the article protecting religious sentiments undermines these fundamental rights and freedoms.
Religious leaders emphasized that the repeal of this crime, listed among offenses related to fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly those against freedom of conscience, has been justified as a way to protect freedom of expression better.
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. Commission members respect and uphold the right to free expression, aligning with Spain’s democratic constitutional provision (Article 20.1.a).
They also assert the right of Christians to express their religious sentiments freely and highlight the importance of respectful dialogue concerning the proposed repeal of the law protecting religious sentiments.
“Tolerating insults, stereotypes, hurtful jokes, and ridicule sometimes lead to more serious behaviors against believers and places of worship, a trend currently rising across Europe,” the representatives stated.
“As representatives of our communities, we extend a hand to our leaders for respectful dialogue. This measure significantly violates the right to religious freedom,” they concluded.
Photo: Cope.es
Source: basilica.ro