Bill > H2010

This bill seeks to repeal Section 36 of Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws, which currently criminalizes blasphemy. By removing this specific section of law, the bill effectively eliminates the legal prohibition against publicly speaking or writing in a manner that disparages or criticizes religious beliefs. Blasphemy laws, which historically have been used to protect religious sensitivities and prevent religious offense, are increasingly viewed as incompatible with principles of free speech. This proposed legislation would remove an outdated legal provision that could potentially infringe on First Amendment rights to freedom of expression, bringing Massachusetts state law more in line with contemporary interpretations of religious freedom and free speech protections. The bill is a straightforward legislative action that would simply strike the existing blasphemy criminalization statute from the state's legal code.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2010