Feelings of believers is sacred for Russians

The All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) has presented the results of a survey on what is more important: taking care of the feelings of believers, or the right to freedom of speech and creative expression?

24% of respondents had been witnesses of actions or statements which hurt the feelings of believers (among Orthodox believers – 24%, among non-believers – 16%). Remarks against certain believers, blasphemy, ridicule and disbelief, the desecration of holy sites, etc. are considered to be offensive.

Our citizens consider that the feelings of believers are more important than freedom of speech. The majority of respondents (68%) are convinced that all citizens should be guided by the principles of political correctness and politeness, not by a right to free speech. 27% of respondents (39% among 18-24 year olds, 37% among the uneducated, 37% among non-believers) have another opinion.

Two-thirds of Russians (67%) also believe that the creators of artistic works (books, pictures, films) shouldn’t offend the feelings of believers by their works. This view is supported by the majority of the older generation (77% over 60 years), followers of Orthodoxy (70%) and other religions (71%) rather than young people (53% of 18 to 24 years) and atheists (57%). 28% support freedom of expression and consider any limitations on art and cultural figures unacceptable.

Commenting on the results, communications director of VTsIOM Alexey Firsov said: "More than two-thirds of Russian citizens believe that security is more important than the feelings of believers to freedom of expression. This figure is an adequate criterion for soft-traditionalist society, which protects its core values."