By David K. Trimble

Paris, the “City of Light” full of world-renowned cultural attractions and landmarks, was set to be a magnificent stage for the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. With its rich history, culture, and international influence, it should have provided a fitting venue for this peaceful, multicultural, and unifying event. But amidst the spectacular displays, it also offered an ugly and deeply offensive spectacle of religious mockery.

Many of us were shocked to see 18 scantily-clad drag queens provocatively parodying Leonardo DaVinci’s depiction of the Last Supper – blatantly insulting billions of Christians around the world. And when Christians rightfully condemned this display, the Olympic Committee organizers’ “apology” only added insult to injury: they claimed “there was never an intention to show disrespect to any religious group” and that their aim was to “celebrate community tolerance.” The spokesperson even had the audacity to add that they believe they “achieved” that goal.

The real aim of the organizers was unmistakably clear: shocking moral indecency, heightened by the inclusion of a child, and the desecration of one of Christianity’s most revered events prior to the death of Jesus. Is this an aim that Olympic organizers should promote as a model of tolerance or an appropriate image to put before children who watched eagerly from around the world? The answer is profoundly simple.

To be clear, this kind of display should not be punished by law or violence. But it should be met with unequivocal moral condemnation. It should go without saying that mocking what others hold to be sacred is abhorrent, and major global institutions like the Olympics should never open their platforms to such expressions.  

The Olympics should embody and promote basic decency and civility. It has the potential to bring out the best in us through competition, pursuit of excellence, and mutual respect. The games are also an opportunity for pride in one’s own country and its athletes as well as appreciation for other nations and cultures represented at the games. An abiding respect for the reality of religious pluralism around the world is an integral part of this overall picture, not because all religions are equally true, but because all persons, everywhere, are equal in dignity and have a fundamental right to pursue religious truth in freedom.  

Human beings must be free to be religious or not, and to disagree with the fundamental religious views of others. But while religious freedom does not protect us from ever being ridiculed or offended – no one has that right – it does call on us to treat with respect that which others hold to be sacred. Religion must not be made the subject of mockery or denigration, especially in moments that aim to bring the world together. 

The Olympic Committee must offer a real apology and commit to ensuring its global platform never again becomes a site of religious mockery. Christians, and other people of faith, should continue to voice that message. And at RFI, we will continue to champion their voices in public life. 

---

David K. Trimble serves as RFI’s President.