Offending Religious Feelings

I did not know that the Philippines a law that punishes people for offending religious feelings. This is such a ridiculous law if there is one . Religious people are offended by a lot of things, women wearing revealing clothing, gays making out, the sight of condoms offends them for fucks sake.

It's a good thing we still think of ourselves as a secular society or more of this kind of suits will be brought up. Maybe Mr. Celdran is correct, maybe we are still living in the time of DAMASO.

update 10/30/2010

GMA News provided the specific provision (Article 133) in the Revised Penal code. Article 133 states that

"Offending the religious feelings. — The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful."

The provision of the article itself makes me conclude (although IANAL) that it is a reasonable law. In a country the promises freedom of religion, religious rituals should be protected from interference.

But if you go back 1 article in the Penal code Article 132 is against interruption of religious worship

"Interruption of religious worship. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon any public officer or employee who shall prevent or disturb the ceremonies or manifestations of any religion.

If the crime shall have been committed with violence or threats, the penalty shall be prision correccional in its medium and maximum periods."

It seems the ones charging Mr. Celdran is trying convict him on a harsher charge when a lower charge "interruption of religious worship" is available and more appropriate. I say more appropriate because Mr. Celdran actually did only interrupt a religious service.

edited 10/20/2010 to include youtube video of Mr. Celdran's actions



Maybe this is the Catholic Church's way of honoring Jesus famous admonition to the faithful

"But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." - Matthew 5:39