Legal Definitions - profane

The term profane refers to speech or conduct that shows extreme disrespect or contempt towards something considered holy, sacred, or deeply revered by a particular group or society.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: During a public demonstration, an individual intentionally spray-paints derogatory symbols and offensive language onto the exterior wall of a historic church.

  Explanation: A church is a sacred place of worship for its congregation and the wider religious community. The act of defacing it with disrespectful symbols and language is considered profane because it demonstrates profound irreverence towards a holy site and the beliefs it represents.

• Example 2: A group of vandals breaks into a national war memorial, toppling statues and scrawling crude jokes on plaques dedicated to fallen soldiers.

  Explanation: A war memorial is a sacred space dedicated to honoring the memory and sacrifice of soldiers. The acts of destruction and disrespectful graffiti are profane because they show extreme irreverence towards a place of profound national respect and the memory of those it commemorates.

• Example 3: During a televised debate, a political candidate deliberately uses highly offensive and mocking language when referring to a widely revered religious text, knowing it will deeply offend a significant portion of the population.

  Explanation: For many, a religious text is considered sacred and a source of spiritual guidance. Using intentionally offensive and mocking language about such a text in a public forum is profane because it demonstrates a clear lack of respect and irreverence towards something held sacred by a large community.