In order to give free rein to freedom of expression, the government is proposing to do away with Article 163 of the Criminal Code.
Austin Bencini (‘Vilification of Catholic Religion’, the Times of Malta, July 13) says that article 163 is outdated and that article 82A of the Criminal Code provides the necessary protection to the Catholic religion and other religions too. He quotes from article 82A: “Whosoever uses any threatening, abusive or insulting words... against another person or group on the grounds of... religion shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a term ranging from six to 18 months.”
Bencini’s interpretation is in stark contrast to what is being said by others about article 82A. For example, Kevin Aquilina, Dean of the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta (‘Religion needs protection’, the Times of Malta, Jully 22), says that article 82A provides no protection to vilification of religion.
He explains in detail that, if article 163 is to be scrapped, then the vilification of the Catholic religion will go unpunished. He further stresses that this will be “in utter disrespect to the letter and the spirit of the Constitution of Malta”.
Freedom of expression has its limits. It is never acceptable to vilify religion. No one has a right to ridicule God or heap scorn on anyone who believes in Him. Religion is very precious to many Maltese.
The aim of all Maltese politicians nowadays seems to be the acquisition of votes at all costs and without even a nod in the direction of upholding values that strengthen our society.
There should be cooperation with and respect for the Church. We cannot have religious tourism in Gozo, and then the Bishops are told to shut up or are ignored when they speak out about Jesus’ teaching on divorce and same-sex marriages.