A advertisement inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece titled “The Last Supper” and promoting the clothing brand Marithé and François Girbaud has finally been authorized by the Court of Cassation in Paris, thus overturning a decision by the Paris Court of Appeal, which had previously judged that this campaign constituted an insult to Catholics and their faith.
It was the “Beliefs and Freedoms” association that initiated a procedure in 2005 to ban this advertisement, and the campaign was eventually withdrawn from French magazines and newspapers as well as public billboards. This same association had already sued Volkswagen for using one of the world’s most famous meals, and a donation to Secours Catholique – the amount of which was not disclosed – had ended the legal action. The passion, like the patience of Marithé and François Girbaud, eventually prevailed over a blasphemy that ultimately was not one.
Another trial, another religion. On February 7 and 8, 2007, the weekly Charlie Hebdo will answer accusations of “public insults towards a group of people based on their religion” before the Paris Criminal Court (following the procedure concerning the publication of the twelve caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad) initiated by the Union of Islamic Organizations of France (UOIF), the Great Mosque of Paris, and recently joined by the World Islamic League.
Could a major DIY brand use a crucifix to promote the merits of its fasteners, or would a detergent brand dare to tackle the image of the Shroud of Turin?
The question is posed: can a religion be mocked, and to what extent?
Pierre Desproges used to say that one could laugh at everything but not with anyone, and the visionary nature of this comedian would have once again been right, according to a French justice system entangled in cases sometimes navigating the murky waters of some people’s freedom of expression and others’ desire for oppression.
