It has been reported that Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, when commenting about the decriminalisation of vilification of religion laws, which are being debated in Parliament, said that repealing such laws would be more reflective of today’s society.

How did the minister come to the conclusion that by repealing such laws our society would be better off?  On what basis did he conclude that such laws, as they are, are working against the good of society as a whole?

What’s the use of promulgating the right of freedom of religion and then giving others the right to vilify religion by words, gestures, written material etc?  Here we are not talking about constructive criticism but of making fun of religion.

Before deciding whether vilification of religion laws should be repealed we have first to ask what function has religion in the overall growth of man as a dignified human being.

For those of us who practise any religion, religion is part and parcel of our way of thinking and acting. It is sacred and precious because through religion we come in contact with the supernatural and spiritual domain which is as real as the natural.

Knowing human nature as itis, we need more of such laws. Laws that safeguard and protect the dignity and sacredness of religion have to be reinforced and not repealed.

Let us not allow our society, in the name of progress and “moving with the times” discard all that helps it survive as a healthy and dignified society.