Chile's New Anti-Discrimination Law May Lead to Christian Persecution

By David Jenkins - Crossmap On June 11, 2012

The Chilean National Congress recently passed a legislation that causes many pro-family groups to worry, with the fear of the possible fallout that would lead to the unwarranted persecutions of Christians in Chile.

The country's first all-inclusive anti-discrimination bill became legalized in May, after a seven-year legislative battle.

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In an attempt to outlaw "discrimination" against homosexuals, the bill could lead to the recognition of same-sex marriage and allow gay couples to adopt children, reported HazteOir Chile.

The consequences of the bill are still debated, as the legislation includes the prohibition of "every distinction, exclusion, or restriction" based on an individual or group "that lacks a reasonable justification, carried out by agents of the government or individuals."

The bill could potentially lead to the persecution of Christians, with its ban on discrimination based on any reason, including religious ones.

"Any crime motivated by an ideological or discriminatory situation, whether for religion, race, ethnicity, condition, or sexual orientation, can be considered an aggravating factor by the judge at the time of evaluating, for the purposes of sentencing, an attitude that [the convicted] might have had for the purpose of discriminating against or diminishing another," specified the bill.

The law states that any act of discrimination is illegal insofar as the alleged discrimination does not impede on the free expression of another individual, according to The Christian Post.

Freedom of expression could not be ignored during cases of discrimination, given that it is within the guidelines set forth by current laws, explained Sebastián Pino, sub-coordinator of the legislative commission of the Iguales Foundation

"If a person feels discriminated against, the person at fault, the discriminator, only has to invoke another fundamental right, like freedom of expression, to avoid punishment," Pino told HazteOir Chile.