Georgia is planning a “blasphemy bill” that will make religious irreverence severely punishable by law.
A proposed bill would impose a 100 lari fine (US$120) for “insults to religious feelings”, which would double for a repeat offence.
Desecrating a religious symbol could cost up to 1000 lari.
The average monthly salary is Georgia is no more than about 818 lari.
Supporters argue that the bill is intended to protect all religious persuasions, although minority groups say they don’t expect to benefit.
Critics say the bill could be used against any organisations not following the official Georgian Orthodox church line.
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