The relationship between freedom of speech and religion in Italy

The chapter provides a national report on how freedom of expression is legally disciplined in Italy and how its interactions and conflicts with freedom of religion are managed by public institutions and national judges. The first part of the essay mainly focuses on freedom of religious expression and its limits, blasphemy laws in the criminal code, the prohibition of hate speech and incitement to hatred, the legal development on crimes against humanity, religious hatred and anti-semitism. The second part is devoted to the issue of hate speech online and media regulation, while the third part explores the protection of religious cultural heritage and art and the protection of religious sensitivity versus the freedom of artistic performances.