A proposed amendment to Poland's penal code seeks to reduce penalties for offenses against religious feelings, largely influenced by a recent European Court of Human Rights ruling.
A new survey indicates that Poles support reducing penalties for offenses against religious feelings, particularly in light of a legislative amendment being proposed by Poland's Ministry of Justice. This proposed change involves modifying Article 196 of the Penal Code, which currently prescribes penalties for publicly insulting objects of religious veneration or places designated for religious practices. Currently, individuals found guilty can face fines, restrictions on freedom, or imprisonment for up to two years.
The push to eliminate prison sentences from Article 196 follows a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights regarding a case involving the Polish singer Doda, who was fined for remarks deemed offensive to religious sentiments. The Ministry of Justice, led by Waldemar Żurek, announced plans to reform this part of the Penal Code to align with broader European human rights standards and to prevent incarceration for non-violent expressions of opinion.
This change reflects a significant shift in public sentiment towards the balance between safeguarding religious sentiments and upholding freedom of expression. If passed, the amendment could facilitate a more lenient approach to cases that have previously led to severe penalties, impacting how Poland navigates the intersection between law, religion, and individual rights in a contemporary context.
