Decretum Pontificum about the crime of blasphemy (Nova Roma)

RELIGIO ROMANA BLASPHEMY DECRETUM

By this decretum, the Collegium Pontificum officially clarifies the 'blasphemy clause' contained in the Nova Roma Constitution located in the Public Institutions Section, VI (a):

"Magistrates, Senators, and citizens need not be practitioners of the Religio Romana, but may not engage in any public activity that intentionally blasphemes or defames the Gods, the Religio Romana, or its practitioners."

The College of Pontiffs declare the intent of the above constitutional phrase to mean the following:

1. The Religio Romana will not come under attack with intent to remove or replace the Religio Romana as the State religion of Nova Roma; and that the Religio Romana shall not be deliberately slandered, defamed, or mocked with intent to undermine its position as the State Religion of Nova Roma.
2. No elected official shall use their elected powers or political status as a means of working to undermine, remove, or replace the Religio Romana as the State Religion of Nova Roma.
3. No Citizen or Magistrate shall actively encourage public disrespect for the Gods of Rome, or actively advocate the non-practice of the Religio Romana no matter what their personal beliefs
4. The above declaration does not indicate individual censorship. Comments, questions about the Religio and its involvement with the State, or the members of its priesthood are encouraged as long as these do not escalate into a general public disturbance.

The Collegium Pontificum hereby states the process under which the 'blasphemy clause' may be invoked by the Collegium Pontificum:

Citizens, or guests of Nova Roma violating the above provisions are subject to the following action:

1. The College will issue a public notice to the person or persons in question, informing them that a continuation of certain actions may result in a complaint of 'blasphemy' being lodged against them. Such a notice would be considered a warning, under which time no official action would be taken. Should the behavior in question cease during the following 24 hour period the matter shall be considered closed.
   1. If the offender stops only later to resume, the 24 hour period will no apply and the College will be free to react at once.
   2. If the offender continues past the 24 hour period, a formal complaint shall be issued to the Nova Roma Senate and Praetors, requesting official civil intervention in the matter. The Pontiffs will be considered witnesses, as well as any citizens who were witnesses to the offence, for the hearing purpose.
2. Action will be determined by the sitting Praetor at a hearing, and may include banishment, fines, depravation of certain freedoms (i.e., list moderation) at their discretion.
3. A magistrate who violates the clause and the warning, may be removed from office by Senatorial decree before any hearing may be conducted. Failure of such a decree, shall mean the magistrate will not be tried while sitting, but at end of his term shall immediately be subject to his hearing.
4. A Pontiff or Priest who violates the clause shall be removed from office by majority vote of the College and turned over to the Praetors for their hearing. If not convicted, they may petition for reinstatement.