Laura Yustres, also known as Lalachus, has recently become part of two public figures’ lists. The first list includes those who have presented the New Year’s Eve countdown on TVE. She joins the likes of Ana Obregón, Ramón García, Raffaella Carrà, Carmen Sevilla, and Jennifer Hermoso. The second list includes figures such as the late musician Javier Krahe, artist Abel Azcona, politician Rita Maestre, actor Willy Toledo, and comedian Dani Mateo, who have been accused of offending religious sentiments in various ways. Yustres now faces legal action from the far-right group Hazte Oír for displaying a card of a cow from the TVE program Grand Prix that resembles the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus before the countdown.
Despite the legal threats, Yustres, a comedian from Fuenlabrada, has little reason to worry about a criminal future. None of the previous cases led to a conviction. Most cases were either dismissed or resulted in acquittals after trials or appeals. Since the current wording of the offense of insulting religious feelings was introduced in the Penal Code in 1995, there has only been one confirmed conviction in 2018 in Jaén. This demonstrates the rare occurrence of successful prosecutions for this offense. Experts predict that the trend of rulings favoring freedom of expression will continue, despite occasional legal challenges.
The impact of these legal actions has been more about generating publicity and noise rather than actual legal consequences. Organizations such as Abogados Cristianos and Hazte Oír have capitalized on these cases to attract attention and promote their ideologies. The legal actions have garnered media coverage, social media debates, and political statements, increasing the visibility of these organizations. These cases demonstrate the power dynamics between those seeking to defend religious beliefs and those advocating for freedom of expression.
The legal threat against Yustres and other public figures accused of insulting religious sentiments is part of a pattern used by ultra-Catholic organizations to gain notoriety and push back against what they perceive as a threat to their beliefs. However, the effectiveness of these legal actions in achieving their stated goals remains questionable. The recent government initiatives to reform the law on offending religious feelings signal a potential shift in the legislative landscape, which may impact the future of such legal cases.
The potential reform of the offense of insulting religious feelings could mark the end of a legal tool that has been used by organizations like Hazte Oír and Abogados Cristianos to advance their agendas. The ongoing debates surrounding these cases highlight the tensions between freedom of expression and religious beliefs in contemporary society. The outcome of these legal actions will not only determine the fate of individuals like Yustres but also shape the broader cultural and political landscape in Spain. The clash between different ideologies and interpretations of the law reflects deeper societal divisions and conflicting values.
