Atheist Blogger Challenges New Russian “Blasphemy” Law

[rug]

Restriction against offending other's religious sensibilities is opposite extreme of the old Soviet years

John Burger
April 14, 2016

In a twist that would have been unthinkable five decades ago, a man in Russia could go to jail for blogging that God does not exist.

Ironically, Viktor Krasnov’s day in court was to be Tuesday, which was the 55th anniversary of the historic space flight of Cosmonaut Yuri Gargarin. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev later said in a speech that Gargarin found no evidence of God while orbiting Earth.

Much has changed since 1961, but the change that concerns religious freedom advocates was prompted by a protest the feminist punk rock band known as Pussy Riot staged in a Russian Orthodox church four years ago. The group went on to produce a video calling on the Mother of God to “drive out” Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Prosecutors were able to slap the gals with no more than a charge of “hooliganism.” So the Duma passed Criminal Code Article 148, Part 1 (“Public actions, expressing obvious disrespect for society and committed with the intention of insulting the religious feelings of believers”).

http://aleteia.org/2016/04/14/atheist-blogger-challenges-new-russian-blasphemy-law/

[rock]

1. "...blogging that God does not exist. "

Wonder which god that is? The Great Spaghetti Monster perhaps?

[rug]

2. No, that one has been thoroughly debunked.

[rock]

3. Debunked? God?

That's hilarious! Tell us another! You're a card, rug!

[rug]

4. FSM

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218226910

[rock]

5. Please stop it, you're killing me

You knock me over . You must be a 'throw' rug! Yeah, a US court debunks god!

[rug]

6. More precisely, it identified a sham.

Courts are usually pretty good at that.

Here's one on Temple Prostitution.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1218227018

[rock]

7. I'm out of tears

The U.S. District Court of Nebraska on matters ecclesiastical! Surely you jest. I know, I know! Don't call you "Shirley." You get funnier by the minute.

[SwankyXomb]

8. To misquote Orwell

Some god scams are more equal than others.

[jonno99]

10. I think the problem here is too many trees blocking the forest.

"cut down some more Rug - I can't yet see it!"

You're an able (and patient) lumberjack Rug - I hope you have a restful weekend...

[rug]

11. Lol, you too, jonno.

[Hoppy]

9. Mythgod needs all the help he can get.