A few definitions for the word vilify found in The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary are the following: to lower or lessen in worth or value; to denigrate; to ridicule; to scorn; to defame; to despise.

This same word has recently been used to describe the proposal of an amendment to decriminalise the vilification of religion in line with article 163 of the Maltese Criminal Code, which makes it illegal to vilify the Roman Catholic religion or its believers, ministers or objects of worship through words, gestures, written matter (printed or not), pictures or visible means.

Transgressing this law carries from one to six months imprisonment. Article 164 is an extension of this law to other religions with a maximum prison term of three months.

Showing respect would surely exclude any type of ridicule.

However, if this reform is enacted it would give full liberty to whoever wants to show disrespect to or despise the Roman Catholic religion or other religions with the backing of the lawmakers.

Does this law constitute one of the hallmarks of modern civilised society?

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