Feb 20 • 03:49 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Rzeczpospolita

Marek Kobylański: The Boundary for Lack of Decency

Marek Kobylański expresses concerns over public expressions of identity that disregard the feelings of others, particularly in the context of freedom of expression versus religious respect.

In a recent commentary, Marek Kobylański reflects on the incidents that have transpired during equality parades in Warsaw, particularly noting the mockery of religious symbols. He raises a profound question regarding the necessity of trampling on others' beliefs as a means of asserting one's identity. Kobylański asserts that freedom of self-expression should not equate to the freedom to hurt or insult others, emphasizing the importance of respect in such expressions. Kobylański also highlights a significant sociopolitical discussion in Poland regarding Article 196 of the penal code, which pertains to the criminalization of offending religious feelings. A recent survey indicates that more than 60% of Poles support the government's proposal to remove imprisonment as a potential penalty for violating this article. This shift suggests a growing recognition of the balance needed in the dialogue surrounding freedom of expression and religious tolerance, especially in a country with a rich religious heritage. The debate over the appropriate response to actions deemed offensive suggests complex societal tensions in Poland surrounding identity, tradition, and the evolving norms of free speech. Kobylański's position adds to the discourse, advocating for a respectful approach to personal and collective identities, urging that the expression of one's identity should not come at the expense of others' dignity or beliefs.

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