Christian Lawyers spark debate over blasphemy complaints in Spain
The group Abogados Cristianos has filed numerous complaints regarding crimes against religious feelings, prompting a review of Spain's Penal Code.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Abogados Cristianos: the legal machinery against «blasphemy»
An InfoLibre report reveals that Abogados Cristianos (a Catholic legal association) has filed about ten complaints for crimes against religious feelings. Those targeted include artist Abel Azcona, Femen activists, and Willy Toledo. The list continues: Madrid's municipal spokesperson, Rita Maestre, and Ada Colau herself are also in the sights of the Catholic association.
A Penal Code that punishes mockery of gods
Articles 524 and 525 of the Spanish Penal Code remain in force. The former protects places of worship, while the latter punishes mockery and scorn against dogmas and beliefs. The existence of a specific incivil offense for blasphemy is difficult to reconcile with a non-denominational State. In fact, some are calling for its direct repeal: after decades of use, no one has explained why insulting a religious confession deserves more protection than insulting any other institution.
Critics point out that 525.2 also punishes mockery toward atheists, a precept that borders on legal absurdity. Added to this is Article 510, regarding hate crimes, which some believe is applied too broadly in public debate.
Asymmetry with Sarracin: caricatures versus blasphemy
Part of the analysis suggests that the left accepted restrictions on Muhammad caricatures without question in the name of sensitivity, only to be scandalized when Catholics use the law to defend themselves. One cannot have it both ways. If Christian blasphemy is a crime due to social pressure, why is Muslim blasphemy treated differently?
Another sector argues that this equivalence is false: a caricature of Muhammad published in a European media outlet is not the same as a performance by Abel Azcona in a gallery. Context matters, they say, and gratuitous mockery is not a sacred right either.
Cross-complaints: Podemos also engages in legal battles
The debate took a turn when it was noted that Podemos (a left-wing political party) and its leaders have accumulated lawsuits against Esperanza Aguirre, Eduardo Inda, Aznar, or Alfonso Rojo regarding claims about Venezuelan funding or links to ETA. Supporters of Abogados Cristianos point out the hypocrisy of those who incivil this association while applauding political litigation. The difference, freedom of speech advocates argue, is that some lawsuits are based on personal insults while others attempt to shield religious dogmas.
Business or faith: the financial support
Some encourage donations to Abogados Cristianos and Hazte Oir, the other wing of pro-life activism. The latter's campaign against the Dator clinic is mentioned, which according to its promoters managed to "save" 61 lives. Whether it is business or conviction, the phenomenon demonstrates that faith also organizes itself with lawyers. The judicial machinery against blasphemy remains in motion, and no one has yet managed to close the debate on where freedom of expression ends and a crime begins.
An InfoLibre report reveals that Abogados Cristianos (a Catholic legal association) has filed about ten complaints for crimes against religious feelings. Those targeted include artist Abel Azcona, Femen activists, and Willy Toledo. The list continues: Madrid's municipal spokesperson, Rita Maestre, and Ada Colau herself are also in the sights of the Catholic association.
A Penal Code that punishes mockery of gods
Articles 524 and 525 of the Spanish Penal Code remain in force. The former protects places of worship, while the latter punishes mockery and scorn against dogmas and beliefs. The existence of a specific incivil offense for blasphemy is difficult to reconcile with a non-denominational State. In fact, some are calling for its direct repeal: after decades of use, no one has explained why insulting a religious confession deserves more protection than insulting any other institution.
Critics point out that 525.2 also punishes mockery toward atheists, a precept that borders on legal absurdity. Added to this is Article 510, regarding hate crimes, which some believe is applied too broadly in public debate.
Asymmetry with Sarracin: caricatures versus blasphemy
Part of the analysis suggests that the left accepted restrictions on Muhammad caricatures without question in the name of sensitivity, only to be scandalized when Catholics use the law to defend themselves. One cannot have it both ways. If Christian blasphemy is a crime due to social pressure, why is Muslim blasphemy treated differently?
Another sector argues that this equivalence is false: a caricature of Muhammad published in a European media outlet is not the same as a performance by Abel Azcona in a gallery. Context matters, they say, and gratuitous mockery is not a sacred right either.
Cross-complaints: Podemos also engages in legal battles
The debate took a turn when it was noted that Podemos (a left-wing political party) and its leaders have accumulated lawsuits against Esperanza Aguirre, Eduardo Inda, Aznar, or Alfonso Rojo regarding claims about Venezuelan funding or links to ETA. Supporters of Abogados Cristianos point out the hypocrisy of those who incivil this association while applauding political litigation. The difference, freedom of speech advocates argue, is that some lawsuits are based on personal insults while others attempt to shield religious dogmas.
Business or faith: the financial support
Some encourage donations to Abogados Cristianos and Hazte Oir, the other wing of pro-life activism. The latter's campaign against the Dator clinic is mentioned, which according to its promoters managed to "save" 61 lives. Whether it is business or conviction, the phenomenon demonstrates that faith also organizes itself with lawyers. The judicial machinery against blasphemy remains in motion, and no one has yet managed to close the debate on where freedom of expression ends and a crime begins.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (103 replies).
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