Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – "The danger is that the blasphemy law is used to hit some Islamic sects such as the Ahmadis. And, given the broad interpretation of the concept of blasphemy, it can be used in the future to target other religious minorities," Fides learns from a source in the Indonesian Church, commenting on the recent ruling by the Constitutional Court. Yesterday, the Court confirmed the legitimacy of the "blasphemy law," rejecting an appeal made by some NGOs, human rights activists, and intellectual groups, including Muslims. The court held that the rule (since 1965) "is still necessary to prevent any diverted form of worship.”
The ruling, the source of Fides says, "was dictated more by fear than by faith in the truth. The Islamic fundamentalists fear that repealing such provisions would mean calling into question the true Islam. But the point is that these matters of religious orthodoxy or relating to faith should not and cannot be legislated by the state." Hence, the appeal to the Court which was supported by Christian circles in Indonesia.
Note the source of Fides: "While the appeal was followed with passion by Islamic fundamentalists, opposed to the abolition of the rule, the media has not given it great importance. The country and the public are focusing on the issue of corruption and scandal that is affecting the government. I think, for now, nothing will change in interreligious relations in the country." (PA) (Agenzia Fides 21/4/2010)
