In Germany, religious defamation is covered by Article 166 of the Strafgesetzbuch, the German criminal law. If a deed is capable of disturbing the public peace, defamation is actionable. The article reads as follows:[53]
§ 166 Defamation of religious denominations, religious societies and World view associations
(1) Whoever publicly or by dissemination of writings (§ 11 par. 3) defames, in a manner suitable to disturb the public peace, the substance of the religious or world view conviction of others, shall be fined or imprisoned for up to three years.
(2) Whoever publicly or by dissemination of writings (§ 11 par. 3) defames, in a manner suitable to disturb the public peace, a church existing in Germany or other religious society or world view association, or their institutions or customs, shall be punished likewise.
In 2006, the application of this article received much media attention when a Manfred van H. (also known as “Mahavo”) was prosecuted for defamation for distributing rolls of toilet paper with the words “Koran, the Holy Koran” stamped on them.[54][55][56] The defendant claimed he wanted to protest the murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh in 2004 and the London bombings of 2005. Beyond the sentence he also received death threats from Islamists and needed a police bodyguard.[56]
What is called “Blasphemy law” here is just protection of religious people, in particular minorities against persecution and incitement of hatred. You know, because last time when it was en vogue in Germany it led to millions of people being exterminated for their (alleged) religious affiliation.
If such a protection is called “Blasphemy law”, the same would have to be said for laws protecting LGBT, disabled people, ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups.
From your source:
What is called “Blasphemy law” here is just protection of religious people, in particular minorities against persecution and incitement of hatred. You know, because last time when it was en vogue in Germany it led to millions of people being exterminated for their (alleged) religious affiliation.
If such a protection is called “Blasphemy law”, the same would have to be said for laws protecting LGBT, disabled people, ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups.