There is a YouTube video called "Rude Buddha" or something to that effect. The commentary section is full of supposed Buddhists who claim that "real" Buddhists shouldn´t be insulted by the skits in the video, that "real" Buddhists actually think they´re funny, and so on.
Oh, really.
So I asked ChatGPT about blasphemy laws in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Bhutan (three Buddhist nations which are also popular tourist destinations). Guess what, guys...
It seems *really existing Buddhists* aren´t particularly keen on their prophet being mocked. But sure, if you are a stoned hippie in California, I suppose you might think insulting the Enlightened One is all good and well!
Yes, several predominantly Buddhist countries—including Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—have laws or legal practices that restrict speech perceived as offensive to Buddhism, particularly when it is seen as insulting the Buddha, Buddhist institutions, or religious sentiments. These are not always framed as "blasphemy laws" in the way they are in some Islamic nations, but they often function similarly in practice.
Here’s a breakdown by country:
Thailand
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Legal Basis: Section 206 of the Thai Criminal Code criminalizes defamation or insult of religion.
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Details: Anyone who "defames, insults or threatens" Buddhism (or any religion recognized by the state) can be punished with up to seven years in prison.
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Recent Examples:
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Foreigners and locals have been prosecuted or deported for social media posts or artwork deemed disrespectful to the Buddha.
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Wearing clothing with Buddha images or tattoos of the Buddha—especially in inappropriate body areas—has led to arrest or deportation.
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Sri Lanka
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Legal Basis: Several laws, including the Penal Code (Section 291A and 291B), criminalize deliberate acts intended to insult religious beliefs.
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Details: These laws apply broadly to all religions but are often used in defense of Buddhism.
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Recent Examples:
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In 2014, a British woman was arrested and deported for having a Buddha tattoo.
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In 2020, a Sri Lankan writer and teacher was charged for allegedly defaming Buddhism in an article that criticized religious extremism.
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Bhutan
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Legal Status: Bhutan does not have overt blasphemy laws, but the constitution protects Buddhism as the spiritual heritage of the country.
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Details: Freedom of speech is guaranteed, but it is limited by considerations of public order and respect for religion.
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Cultural Practice: Criticism or satire of Buddhism or the monarch (who holds a semi-sacred position) is culturally taboo and can invite social or legal consequences, even if not codified as explicit blasphemy laws.
Summary
While these countries do not always use the term "blasphemy," insulting Buddhism or the Buddha can lead to legal action, including fines, imprisonment, deportation, or social persecution. Laws are often vaguely worded, giving authorities wide discretion in what is considered "insulting."
Would you like a comparison with blasphemy laws in other religious-majority countries?
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