Thursday, March 18, 2010

Ireland to Vote on Blasphemy Law

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/15/ireland-referendum-blasphemy-law

The blasphemy law should have never been accepted in the first place.

“Ireland is to hold a referendum on removing a blasphemy ban from the constitution, the justice minister announced yesterday.

At the beginning of the year, the republic introduced legislation making blasphemy a crime punishable with a fine of up to €25,000 (£22,800).

The law defines blasphemy as "publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted". The referendum will be held this autumn.”

The law should be opposed by anyone who believes in free speech, believers and non-believers alike. Here’s to hoping common sense prevails in Ireland.

No comments: