Should the state punish offending religious feelings? Cover Image
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Czy państwo powinno karać obrazę uczuć religijnych?
Should the state punish offending religious feelings?

Author(s): Filip Ciepły
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion
Published by: Księgarnia Świętego Jacka
Keywords: offence against religious feelings; religious freedom; insult; criminalization; hate speech

Summary/Abstract: According to Art. 196 of the Polish Penal Code of 1997, anyone who offends the religious feelings of others by publicly profaning an object of religious worship or a place dedicated to the public celebration of religious rites is liable to a fine, the restriction of liberty or imprisonment for up to two years. This provision is criticized in the scientific and journalistic debate. It is proposed to be deleted. The aim of the article is to review the most important arguments for and against the use of criminal sanctions for offending religious feelings, as well as an attempt to answer the question whether the state should punish this type of behavior and how to properly justify it in a contemporary pluralistic, liberal society.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 19
  • Page Range: 11-21
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Polish