In the midst of the controversy generated during the broadcast of the RTVE Chimes, the Minister of the Presidency, Justice and Relations with the Courts, Félix Bolaños, has come out in defense of the comedian Laura Yustres, known as Lalachus, and the presenter David Broncano. The controversy arose when Lalachus, from the balcony of Puerta del Sol, showed a picture that mixed the Sacred Heart of Jesus with the heifer of the Grand Prix program, accompanied by a comment that some religious sectors considered offensive.
In a message published on the social network X, Bolaños has supported the comedians, ensuring that “freedom of expression and creation must be a fundamental pillar in a democratic society.” Furthermore, the minister announced that the Government will promote the reform of the crime of religious offenses this year, framing it in the Action Plan for Democracy, an initiative that seeks to protect fundamental rights such as artistic freedom.
Day 1 and the ultras’ first attempt to intimidate.
In 2025 we will promote the reform of the crime of religious offenses to guarantee freedom of expression and creation, a measure of the Action Plan for Democracy. #Yoconlalachusybroncanohttps://t.co/W82sBw0WW9
— Félix Bolaños (@felixbolanosg) January 1, 2025
Lalachus’s gesture, part of a dialogue with Broncano about the value of public television, quickly became the epicenter of criticism and praise. During the broadcast, the comedian said: “I always carry my picture of the Grand Prix heifer, because we have all grown up watching the Grand Prix. How important television is, and public television, in this case, more “None, because I think that you and I and many people are made of bits of TV.” The comment, accompanied by the image, caused indignation in some Catholic sectors, who considered it a mockery of their beliefs. The Hazte Oír association filed a complaint against Lalachus, Broncano and the president of RTVE, José Pablo López, for an alleged crime against religious feelings.
On social networks, reactions were polarized. Some users criticized what they considered a lack of respect for believers, while others defended the comment as a legitimate expression of humor and creativity, stressing that art and comedy should be free to explore sensitive topics.
The support of the Executive has not been long in coming. Félix Bolaños criticizes what he calls attempts to “frighten” by the most conservative sectors and remember the importance of guaranteeing spaces for creation and humor. In his message, he highlighted the need to reform article 525 of the Penal Code, which currently penalizes those who, with the intention of offending, mock dogmas, beliefs or religious rites with fines of up to twelve months. “Humor and satire are part of a free and democratic society. We cannot allow the pressure of the ultras to silence creativity or limit fundamental rights,” says the minister.
The proposal, agreed upon with Sumar, seeks to decriminalize this type of behavior and eliminate the crime of religious offenses, arguing that laws should not restrict artistic or humorous expressions. This movement is part of a comprehensive review of articles of the Penal Code that may violate the right to freedom of expression.
A debate that transcends humor
The controversy surrounding the Lalachus joke has animated the debate about the limits of humor and the coexistence of diverse sensibilities in a democracy. While some see in his words an unnecessary mockery of believers, others interpret it as a legitimate exercise of creative freedom, a fundamental characteristic of public television in a plural society. RTVE has not issued an official statement regarding the complaint, although sources close to the corporation have indicated that the broadcast of the Chimes was a ratings success. and that the objective of the program was precisely to connect with the public from a fresh and humorous approach. In any case, the debate remains open, and the reform of the crime of religious offenses could mark a before and after in the protection of freedom of expression in Spain. For Lalachus and Broncano, the beginning of 2025 has been as controversial as it is symbolic: a night of humor, satire and, as they themselves say, “bits of TV” that have put on the table the role of comedy in social dialogue.
LinkedinBeloud