A 14-year-old boy from Pennsylvania may face up to two years imprisonment for hurting religious sentiments of many by posting a picture of himself simulating oral sex with a statue of Jesus.
The unidentified teenager took a picture with the statue of a kneeling Jesus Christ outside 'Love in the name of Christ' -- a Christian organisation in Everett, Pennsylvania.
In the picture, the teenager is seen standing over the statue of Jesus Christ and simulating oral sex. The picture was apparently posted on Facebook from his account in July this year and now the case will be heard in a family court.
The teenager has been charged with "Desecration of a Venerated Object", which the Pennsylvania law defines as "defacing, damaging, polluting or otherwise, physically mistreating in a way that the actor knows will outrage the sensibilities of persons likely to observe or discover the action", according to Kron4.com.
If convicted, the boy will have to serve up to two years in prison.
Huffington Post reports that the teenager's Facebook post received compliments and criticisms. One person wrote on his Facebook wall: "This is repulsive, even if you don't believe, you could at least have respect for those who do and those who ARE going to Heaven…you discusting [sic], disturbed, disrespectful little punk ass bitch."
Raw Story reports that a spokesperson from the church claims the ministry did not ask police to press charges against the boy. The charges pressed against the teenager have sparked a debate. While some agree that the teenager deserves to be punished for the blasphemous act, others think that since the boy's act did not damage any physical property, it should not be taken seriously.
According to Patheos.com, even vandalism can land a person in jail for only up to one year.
Does the boy deserve to be jailed for two years or should he be let free? Let us know your views in the comment box below.
