The Anti-Sacrilege Act

The Anti-Sacrilege Act was never actually used, but it does prove a point, of how seriously many religions do take their faith. Also shown, is a list of countries that still have laws against blasphemy, all though some have been repealed, many of the countries listed below still have laws against blasphemy that apply to the penal code, –that is, they can be punished on a government level. The country with the strictest laws against blasphemy is Pakistan, where it is punishable life imprisonment, if not execution.

The Anti-Sacrilege Act was initiated in France, and is not to be confused with any laws against sacrilegious, or blasphemous behaviour in other countries, mainly because this particular government mandate no longer exists. It was drafted and passed as a law in 1825, under the rule of King Charles X. It was only ever applied once, on a very small issue, and was later revoked in the first few months of the next king’s rule (King Louis-Philippe) in the July monarchy.

The arguments for the law were most historically famous, from the Justice minister, Comte de Peyronnet, who stated that the new law was a “necessary expiation after so many years of indifference or impiety.” This was supported by Comte de Breteuil who declared in the assembly, “In order to make our laws respected, let us first make religion be respected.” The punishment for breaking the law,  was suggested by the counterrevolutionary essayist Louis, Vicomte de Bonald, was capital punishment.

Countries With Blasphemy Laws:

Australia
Austria
Canada
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Iran
Israel
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Pakistan
United Kingdom
United States of America
Egypt
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Spain
Sudan
Switzerland