Spiritual / religious -based violence
Psychological and physical violence with elements of religion or spirituality. This can be, for example, mocking or denying religion or religious needs while forcing the practice of religion. The perpetrator or perpetrators of violence may rationalise and justify their acts of violence with religion, God’s will or punishment.
Violence related to spirituality or religion is also threats about, for example, supernatural, God’s or devil’s revenge, going to hell and the end of the world. It also includes attempts to suppress another’s identity, lifestyle and opinions, manipulation and abuse of power or position within, for example, a religious community.
Religious freedom in the Spanish state is protected by the Spanish Constitution itself, as stated in Article 16: “The ideological, religious, and worship freedoms of individuals and communities are guaranteed, with no limitations in their manifestations other than those necessary for maintaining public order protected by law. No one may be compelled to declare their ideology, religion, or beliefs.”
Additionally, the current Organic Law 7/1980, of July 5, on Religious Freedom, ensures the following aspects:
- Non-discrimination and freedom of worship: In its first article, the State guarantees the fundamental right to religious freedom and worship.
- Secular State: As stated in the Constitution, and according to Article 1.3 of the law, no religious denomination shall have a state character.
- Guaranteeing fundamental rights of confession: Article two ensures that individuals have the right to profess and teach their religion, regardless of their faith. Here are the main points:
- a) To profess the religious beliefs they freely choose or not to profess any; to change denomination or abandon the one they had; to freely express their religious beliefs or the absence thereof, or to refrain from declaring them.
- b) To perform acts of worship and receive religious assistance from their own denomination; to celebrate their religious holidays, hold marriage ceremonies, and receive a dignified burial without discrimination on religious grounds, and not to be compelled to perform acts of worship or receive religious assistance against their personal convictions.
- c) To receive and provide religious education and information of all kinds, whether orally, in writing, or by any other means; to choose for themselves and for unemancipated minors or incapacitated persons under their care, both inside and outside the school setting, religious and moral education in line with their own convictions.
- d) To meet or publicly demonstrate for religious purposes and to associate in order to develop their religious activities collectively, in accordance with the general legal framework and the provisions of this Organic Law.
Forms of spiritual/religious violence
It is essential to differentiate between the misuse of religion or spirituality for harmful purposes and the genuine practice of faith, which promotes peace, tolerance, and respect for others. Spiritual/religious violence can manifest in various ways:
Coercing or pressuring individuals to convert to a particular religious belief against their will, often through threats, intimidation, or isolation.
Targeting individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs, leading to exclusion, marginalisation, or denial of basic rights and opportunities.
Inflicting physical, psychological, or sexual harm on individuals under the guise of religious or spiritual practices, often involving extreme rituals or ceremonies.
Engaging in hate speech, inciting violence, or perpetrating acts of aggression against individuals or groups due to their religious beliefs or practices.
Denying individuals the right to practice their chosen religion, imposing restrictions, or engaging in persecution based on religious affiliation.
Exploiting someone's spiritual or religious beliefs for personal gain, control, or to exert undue influence over them, often through psychological manipulation or deception.
Justifying acts of violence, including physical harm, against individuals perceived to have brought dishonour or violated religious or cultural norms.
