The Church of Greece’s reaction against the current Tsipras government’s effort to revise certain articles in the country’s criminal code continued this week, a day after the Holy Synod expressed its opposition to a revision of the articles regarding malicious blasphemy, insult to religion and defamation of the deceased.
On Friday, the Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinos, His Eminence Amfilochios, warned that the attempted revisions will have a negative effect on Greek society.
Parliament watchers also pointed to the fact that the Greek government is attempting to hold a single vote over the entire draft legislation in the legislature, and not for each individual article. Additionally, only a single day of debate in Parliament’s plenum has been set.
Essentially, this legislative process prevents Parliament deputies from voting in favor of some articles and opposing others, as the bill will be ratified or rejected in an “all or nothing” manner.
Public debate ends on April 14, with the relevant justice minister saying the draft bill will come up for a vote after Easter.