A new law targeting insults against Islamic religious figures and symbols has been proposed by MPs, with repeat offenders facing up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to BD40,000, or both.
The proposal by five legislators is spearheaded by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi, and seeks to add a new Article 310 bis (One) to Bahrain’s 1976 Penal Code criminalising deliberate acts of contempt, insult, ridicule or offensive treatment targeting prophets, Ahl Al Bayt (Prophet Mohammed’s Family), the companions of Prophet Mohammed and his wives (The Mothers of Believers).
Mr Al Bulooshi said the proposal was intended to strengthen Bahrain’s legal safeguards while protecting social harmony and national unity.
“Our aim is to protect the sanctity and respect accorded to Islamic religious figures and prevent their exploitation to provoke hatred, sectarianism or division within society,” he said.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone deliberately committing such an offence could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to BD20,000, or either punishment.
The proposal covers a remarkably broad range of forms of expression – including writing, drawings, gestures, images, singing, acting, insinuation and electronic communications, as well as any other offensive conduct.
The proposed penalties would become considerably tougher for repeat offenders. A person convicted of a similar offence could face up to 10 years behind bars and a fine of up to BD40,000, or either punishment.
Mr Al Bulooshi said the tougher approach reflected the speed and reach of modern communications, particularly social media.
“Content can spread within seconds and reach thousands of people. The law must therefore provide clear and effective protection against conduct that can inflame hatred or sectarian tensions,” he said.
The explanatory memorandum identifies seven principal justifications for the proposed amendment. They include protecting Islamic sanctities and symbols, strengthening social security and stability, combating hate speech and sectarianism, preventing religious figures from being used to provoke hostility, preserving Bahrain’s social fabric, updating legal protections to reflect the expansion of electronic media, and providing an effective deterrent.
The MPs also stress that differences in opinion, sect, interpretation or historical understanding should not justify insults or humiliation.
The proposal draws on legislation in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
The Saudi model criminalises online material that harms public order, religious values or public morals, while Kuwait has specific provisions prohibiting attacks, mockery or defamation involving prophets, companions, the Prophet’s wives and Ahl Al Bayt.
The MPs said the Kuwaiti approach was particularly relevant because it explicitly identifies the protected religious figures and groups.
Mr Al Bulooshi stressed that the proposal was not aimed at suppressing legitimate debate or differences of opinion.
“Freedom of expression must be balanced with responsibility and respect for religious values, social peace and national unity,” he said.
The MPs believe the amendment would strengthen Bahrain’s legal framework against hate speech and sectarian provocation while providing clearer boundaries for expression in an increasingly digital society.
The four other signees are MPs Bader Al Tamimi, Mohammed Al Ahmed, Jameel Hassan and Ali Al Dossary.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))