In Münster, Germany Albert Voss was fined over $500 for having “blasphemous” bumper stickers on his car. Germany is one of the few Western European countries that has enforceable blasphemy laws. Not only was Mr. Voss fined, his license was suspended.

Some of his bumper stickers read:

“The church is looking for modern advertising ideas. I can help”

“Jesus, our favorite artist: hanging for 2,000 years and he still hasn’t got cramp.”

“Let’s make a pilgrimage with Martin Luther to Rome! Kill Pope Francis. The Reformation is cool.”

Okay, I can see the “Kill Pope Francis” one being pretty problematic. But why not just call it hate speech? As Hemant Mehta points out, where do we draw the line? According to the German law, blasphemy is illegal when it is “capable of disturbing the peace.” But how can we really determine that?

Blasphemy laws are quite antiquated and I was surprised to learn Germany still enforces them. Hopefully they update their laws soon!

[Featured image from Wikipedia. It’s not the car from Albert Voss]