HÜDA PAR has called on the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) to urgently adopt its legislative proposal aimed at introducing tougher criminal penalties for insulting religious values, arguing that such acts threaten social harmony and undermine freedom of religion and conscience.

In its weekly statement on domestic and international issues, HÜDA PAR said recent incidents targeting religious beliefs and sacred values have fueled polarization and harmed social peace.

"In recent times, there has been a concerning increase in provocative statements and actions targeting our nation's beliefs, sacred values, and religious principles," the party said in a statement.

It stressed that freedom of expression should not be used to justify attacks on religious beliefs.

"Insulting the beliefs of others is not freedom of expression. No one has the freedom to insult the sacred values of another. Under the guise of humor and artistic freedom, the degradation of sacred values and the mockery of millions of people's faith constitute a clear attack on social peace and the principles of coexistence," the statement said.

The party recalled that it had submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament on June 19, 2025, seeking to establish the offense of "Insulting Religious Values" as a separate crime under the Turkish Penal Code and to introduce stronger deterrent penalties.

According to HÜDA PAR, recent developments have underscored the need for such legislation.

"The developments we are witnessing today clearly demonstrate how accurate and necessary our proposal was," the statement said.

The party called for respect toward all religious beliefs, particularly Islam, which it described as the faith of the overwhelming majority of Türkiye's population.

HÜDA PAR argued that enacting the proposal would help protect society's spiritual values, strengthen guarantees for freedom of religion and conscience, and prevent future provocations targeting religious beliefs.

The party urged Parliament, particularly the political parties represented in the legislature, to take responsibility by debating and approving the bill without delay.

It also called on the public to stand together in defending what it described as the nation's sacred values and to reject all forms of insult and disrespect directed at religious beliefs. (ILKHA)