Court dismisses Polish pop star's complaint about offending religious feelings

Dorota Rabczewska, better known to the public as Doda, had argued that allowing citizens to be tried for offending religious feelings is unconstitutional, as it prevents freedom of expression on religious matters.

Her lawyers likewise argued that the law is one-sided, as it does not protect people who do not adhere to any religion.

Rabczewska herself lost an appeal in June 2012 at a Warsaw district court, after being sentenced for offending religious feelings in January of that year.

She had claimed in an interview in 2009 that the bible “was written by someone who was hammered on wine and who'd been smoking herbs.”

The Constitutional Court ruled that the current laws are essential, as public debate on religion must be carried out in a cultured and civilized manner.

Rabczewska was originally ordered to pay a fine of PLN 5,000 when sentenced in January 2012. (nh/rk)