MP wants to decriminalise blasphemy

No religion should be legally protected from criticism, argues Framsókn MP Bjarni Kárason Petersen, who wants to decriminalise blasphemy.

The Faroese penal code states that ridiculing or insulting the dogmas or worship of a lawfully existing religious community may result in a fine or imprisonment of up to four months.

No-one has ever been convicted under this provision in the Faroes, says the MP.

Freedom of expression

“Removing the blasphemy provision from the penal code strengthens the freedom of expression and is consistent with recommendations from the UN and the European Commission.”

Most European countries have abolished their blasphemy laws.

Sweden repealed its blasphemy laws in 1970, Norway and Iceland did so in 2015 and Denmark in 2017.

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.