The Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission warned religious leaders yesterday not to try and influence the outcome of a referendum on free school meals next week through liturgies or sermons.

It said any attempt to influence the vote would be an infringement of the Residents’ Voting Act and that it would do everything in its power to ensure religious groups abide by the law.

The commission said several religious leaders have made “biased” statements lately regarding the vote under the guise of preaching.

According to the act, anyone who tries to affect voting by taking advantage of their own social standing to influence others can face up to five years in jail or a fine of up to 30 million won (US$27,000).

Andrew Kim Duck-jin, secretary-general of the Catholic Human Rights Committee, responded today by saying “strict application of the law may undermine freedom of expression.”

But Park Yeong-min, the election commission’s public relations officer, later clarified that religious leaders can express their opinions in press conferences or in forums.

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Photos: pko 1469