Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001531/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR)
On 9 April, a concert was held in Milan by Behemoth, a band known for using satanic symbols and inverted crosses as well as for worshipping the Devil and spouting blasphemous, anti-Christian rhetoric. The concert sparked strong protests from a great many citizens, politicians and religious figures, while a public petition calling for the performance to be cancelled gathered thousands of signatures. Even the International Association of Exorcists publicly denounced the event, claiming that it was ‘a satanic ritual masquerading as a performance’.
In addition to potentially violating the rights enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union – particularly freedom of religion (Article 10) and the right to dignity (Article 21) – Behemoth’s behaviour might well make it necessary to implement measures to protect the religious feelings and the dignity of younger generations.
In the light of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission believe that the institutions are upholding the EU’s fundamental values by adopting a tolerant attitude vis-a-vis public events that are offensive to Christians and feature satanic messages?
- 2.Could guidelines be adopted with a view to protecting minors from speech that is explicitly blasphemous and which could jeopardise their ethical upbringing?
- 3.What measures will the Commission take to combat anti-Christian discrimination and hate speech in Europe, two issues that are often ignored by debates at the European level?
Submitted: 15.4.2025