Father Matthieu Raffray, part of the traditional Institute of the Good Shepherd, was under scrutiny for potentially offending anti-discrimination laws when he referred to homosexuality as a “weakness” in an Instagram video. France’s anti-discrimination agency DILCRAH, reported the incident to the Prosecutor of the Republic, a public magistrate responsible for deciding whether an alleged offence should be judged in court. However, Raffray was recently informed by the Prosecutor’s Office that no offence was sufficiently defined to warrant prosecution.
Raffray’s comments were publicly denounced as “homophobic” by DILCRAH which operates under the authority of the prime minister. But significant jurisprudence in the French courts protects Catholics’ freedom to “spread the teaching of the Church” based on religious liberty and freedom of expression and opinion. Raffray’s perspectives on homosexuality were presented in a religious context, describing spiritual combat against personal weaknesses which, according to church teachings, include a range of vices and sins.
While the case against Raffray can potentially be appealed, it seems unlikely. The dismissal of the case strengthens the precedent for the legitimacy of moral judgment, as presented from a religious perspective, regarding homosexuality. This outcome underscores that upholding the moral standards of faith and expressing such perspectives publicly is not considered a criminal offence in France.
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