Fines of up to €144,000 for calling someone with Down syndrome a 'downie'
Spain imposes fines of up to €144,000 for calling someone with Down syndrome a 'downie'. The new classification as a hate crime sparks debate over…
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Calling a person with Down syndrome a 'downie' is now a hate crime in Spain
The news broke in Dapena 3: referring to Down syndrome in a mocking context is now classified as a hate crime, with prison sentences of 6 to 12 months and fines of €360 to €144,000, depending on severity. The measure, aimed at protecting a particularly vulnerable group, has sparked a debate about the limits of humour and the proportionality of the penalties.
A disproportionate fine?
The range of €360 to €144,000 leaves a margin that some consider excessive for a joke, however tasteless it may be. Critics argue that insulting with malicious intent should be a minor offence, not a crime carrying such heavy punishments. Others, however, maintain that the penalty must act as a deterrent given the persistence of mockery directed at people with disabilities.
Creative euphemisms to dodge the law
As happens whenever names change (from 'maruja' to 'charo'), segarro substitutes such as 'Kokod syndrome' are already being proposed to avoid penalties. The irony is not lost: while some celebrate the legal protection, others look for loopholes to keep making jokes. The open question is whether the law will manage to eradicate the mockery or simply drive it underground.
The news broke in Dapena 3: referring to Down syndrome in a mocking context is now classified as a hate crime, with prison sentences of 6 to 12 months and fines of €360 to €144,000, depending on severity. The measure, aimed at protecting a particularly vulnerable group, has sparked a debate about the limits of humour and the proportionality of the penalties.
A disproportionate fine?
The range of €360 to €144,000 leaves a margin that some consider excessive for a joke, however tasteless it may be. Critics argue that insulting with malicious intent should be a minor offence, not a crime carrying such heavy punishments. Others, however, maintain that the penalty must act as a deterrent given the persistence of mockery directed at people with disabilities.
Creative euphemisms to dodge the law
As happens whenever names change (from 'maruja' to 'charo'), segarro substitutes such as 'Kokod syndrome' are already being proposed to avoid penalties. The irony is not lost: while some celebrate the legal protection, others look for loopholes to keep making jokes. The open question is whether the law will manage to eradicate the mockery or simply drive it underground.
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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 (90 replies).
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