Blasphemy in an Age of Corroding Secularity

Abstract

Abstract‘Sacred’ may be defined in various ways, depending on one’s worldview. In a pluralistic society, a single perspective from which to decide what is sacred seems absent. Yet certain elements are taken to be sacred such that they transcend individual worldviews. Their inviolability entails blasphemy laws, where ‘blasphemy’ extends beyond what is traditionally considered religious, since ‘religion’ itself is not clearly demarcated either. The interests of the sacred may be protected by blasphemy laws, but the downside of such laws is that the freedom of expression is compromised. A balanced view is necessary to accommodate these conflicting interests.

The Alternative Concepts of Blasphemy Law in Indonesia: Legal Comparison with Ireland and Canada

“…Meanwhile, article 156a is an added article mandated by article 4 of the blasphemy law. (Doomen, 2021) As seen above, article 156 is mostly the prohibition of hate speech based on race, country of origin, religion, origin, descent, nationality or constitutional condition. Meanwhile, article 156(a) regulates blasphemy, both regarding deviation or defamation.…”