Netherlands: Adult filmmakers avoid prosecution over film made in church

Adult filmmakers who faced backlash after filming two actors having sex in a church will not be prosecuted, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) in the Netherlands has said.

Despite complaints from the church, an OM spokesperson told NOS: “We find it hurtful and disrespectful, but we’ve looked at the law book and do not really see a criminal offence. Blasphemy is not punishable and there is no question of trespassing.”

The film, published online earlier this year, shows two people having sex in an alley behind St. Jozef Church in Tilburg and in the church’s confessional chair. The film has since been taken offline.

Church manager Harrie de Swart told Omroep Brabant that he was surprised by the prosecutors’ decision.

Mr de Swart said: “First of all, making such a video is contrary to the church owner’s intention with the building.

“In the second place, the creators were able to just enter the building, but to get to the confessional chair they had to climb over a fence.”

Fr Van Noorwegen held a Sunday Mass seeking forgiveness for the desecration of the church.

The church still has the option of opening a civil lawsuit against the filmmakers, who have already apologised to the church.