Indonesian cardinal opposes blasphemy conviction of transgender activist
March 14, 2025
» Continue to this story on Crux
CWN Editor's Note: Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta has called for the release of a transgender activist who was convicted of blasphemy for an irreverent TikTok post about Jesus.
Rata Thalisa was sentenced to 2 years and 10 months in prison, after several Protestant pastors filed a blasphemy complaint. The cardinal said lamented the conviction, saying “we have to have a sense of humor.”
“Not everything is to be taken very seriously. Jesus would laugh if he heard the suggestion to cut his hair,” the cardinal said. (Actually Thalisa had suggested that Jesus should cut “her” hair.)
The above note supplements, highlights, or corrects details in the original source (link above). About CWN news coverage.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!