The urge to decriminalize blasphemy in Europe
According to Pew Research Center, 47% of the countries and territories in the world have laws and policies that penalize blasphemy, apostasy or defamation. It is still the case in Europe. Indeed, in Ireland, criticizing a religion is liable to a maximum fine of 25,000 euros. Until 2010, this offense applied only to the Catholic religion but it has been expanded to all religions “in the name of equality.” In Italy, a “blasphemy offense” is punishable by a fine between 51 and 309 euros. Nevertheless, Iceland has taken the opposite path by decriminalizing the blasphemy. This initiative came from...
Read More