Polish Publisher Punished for Panning Pope

Timidity · #1 Jan 27, '05, 7:57 am

A Polish court has fined a magazine publisher for making fun of Pope John Paul II's age and frailty.

Full story here: http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-01-25-voa61.cfm

While I support the Pope, I disagree with this court action. I guess that's why I don't live in Poland.

Detroit Sue · #2 Jan 27, '05, 8:10 am

But it's their law. In Poland, women cannot get an abortion on demand. Who's legal system is worse?

Fitz · #3 Jan 27, '05, 8:16 am

Can you imagine the amount of money that could be collected here if we had a law. I have read so much in disrespect of the Pope? There is very little respect here in the US for the Pope.

EddieArent · #4 Jan 27, '05, 8:18 am

Urban is one of the hard line Jewish pro-communist propagandist left in Poland.

JKirkLVNV · #5 Jan 27, '05, 8:24 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Detroit Sue

But it's their law. In Poland, women cannot get an abortion on demand. Who's legal system is worse?

Ours is worse, for the very reason you cite: one can legally have a baby killed here. That said, it doesn't mean that the law in Poland regarding not mocking heads of state is right. It does seem to be a violation of free speech as enshrined in our laws. I always wonder why people don't resort to boycotts more often. If every Pole refused to buy any rag published by these people until there was a public apology, I bet they'd demonstrate contrition pretty toot suite. They'd be "mea culpa"-ing all over the place. To disagree with the Pope is serious, to mock his age and frailty is ill-mannered beyond description.

bones_IV · #6 Jan 27, '05, 8:43 am

People get nailed for making racist comments. There are people who make nasty comments about christianity or other organized religions and they don't get in trouble. To me it is the upmost in hypocripsy.

Padre Pio "The Rosary is the weapon."

bones_IV · #7 Jan 27, '05, 8:51 am

I don't know about the getting fined part, that was on the Polish court's part innappropriate. He should have at least been reprimanded.

Padre Pio "The Rosary is the weapon."

Detroit Sue · #8 Jan 27, '05, 9:05 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by bones_IV

I don't know about the getting fined part, that was on the Polish court's part innappropriate. He should have at least been reprimanded.

Padre Pio "The Rosary is the weapon."

But Polish law condemns it. We have hate crime laws here. It is not our business to say that it is wrong.

And, did you know that in Canada, it is considered "hate speech" (a punishable offense) to speak out against homosexuality in a church? The Polish law does not seem to be a human rights violation. I guess I don't understand why this is even news.