A revised penal code in Greece takes effect today, after being hastily passed through Parliament last month by the outgoing leftist government. Relevant revisions, in fact, were passed by a slim Parliament majority even after the now incumbent prime minister said he would resign and seek an early election – which is set for Sunday.
Among the more controversial revisions is the abolition of articles against the insult to religion and the deceased.
Stranger still, and just as controversial, is the fact that insult to religion can now be prosecuted under anti-racism legislation passed a few years ago, but excluding Greek Orthodoxy, the prevalent religion of Greek citizens.