New Blasphemy Law in Ireland

[disorderlyvision]

When a modern Western country whose economy is based on science and technology adopts an absurdly medieval law, one would think that this would be a news story of at least moderate size.

Oddly though, almost no attention has been paid in the United Stares to the passing last month of a bill establishing a crime of blasphemy in Ireland.

Approved by the Irish parliament, it states: "A person who publishes or utters blasphemous matter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding 25,000 euro."

Furthermore, "a person publishes or utters blasphemous matter if (a) he or she publishes or utters matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion, and (b) he or she intends, by the publication or utterance of the matter concerned, to cause such outrage."

Even if I weren't the author of a book entitled "Irreligion: A Mathematician Explains Why the Arguments for God Just Don't Add Up," I would find this bill abysmally wrong-headed.

Even Parodies and Bad Jokes Liable to Fine
Although it provides for exceptions to prosecution if a "reasonable person" finds literary, scientific or other significant value in a work, it would allow for atheists to be prosecuted for denying the existence of God, a denial that clearly causes outrage in many.

Those writing parodies and bad jokes would also be liable to the 25,000 euro fine. Even an innocuous riff on God rescinding the Bible in the middle of the night the way Amazon called back the Orwell book from its Kindle reader could be prosecuted.

And if the reaction of some irate readers of my book is any indication, so could an imagined instant message exchange between me and God that appears in the book.

But non-believers would not be the only, or even the primary, ones affected by this blasphemy bill. People, irreligious or not, presumably could be prosecuted for drawing cartoons of Mohammad. Christians could be prosecuted for expressing scorn or even disbelief in the Christian teachings of other denominations.

Likewise, Jews and others could be prosecuted for denying the divinity or even the existence of Jesus. Or, if atheism is considered a religion (which it is not), atheists also could claim to be outraged by the expressions of their religious countrymen, each of whom could then be required to cough up 25,000 euro.

Law Allows for Confiscation of Blasphemous Materials
The law also allows for the confiscation of blasphemous materials -- novels, non-fiction books, short videos, full-length movies, etc.

Interestingly, the blasphemy law is not the only medieval aspect of Irish law. The preamble to the Irish Constitution maintains that the state's authority derives from the most holy trinity, stipulates that no one can become president or a judge without taking a religious oath, and declares that all citizens have obligations to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Similar but less overt sentiments and statutes exist in this country. Witness the arguments put forth by many that the U.S. is a Christian country.

More analogous is a little-known example involving the state of Arkansas, which has not yet roused itself to rescind article 19 of its constitution: "No person who denies the being of a God shall hold any office in the civil departments of this State, nor be competent to testify as a witness in any court." A few other states have similar laws.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WhosCounting/story?id=8222603&page=1

 

[0zzy]

Blasphemy laws? Blasphemous!

 

[thetruthhurtsthefed]

why not

i like the idea of defending the basis of what a country was founded on, unlike the US/Canada which is/has dissolved the basis of what their countries were founded on for a select minority without really thinking of the consequences. i think Ireland is defending itself but trying not swat too hard at the hornets nest (powerful religious minority) by including all religions in this law. Too bad the US doesn't follow suit, because this religious minority in the US is saying/doing anything they want to Christians and Muslims

 

[Cowlesy]

wtf!!!

Absolutely ridiculous.

 

[0zzy]

i like the idea of defending the basis of what a country was founded on, unlike the US/Canada which is/has dissolved the basis of what their countries were founded on for a select minority without really thinking of the consequences. i think Ireland is defending itself but trying not swat too hard at the hornets nest (powerful religious minority) by including all religions in this law. Too bad the US doesn't follow suit, because this religious minority in the US is saying/doing anything they want to Christians and Muslims

On this forum, you are the "religious minority in the US" who is "saying/doing anything they want to" the majority here on the thread. Should we pass a forum law similar to this Irish law that would defend what this forum was founded on and fine you 25,000$ for your blasphemy?

 

[thetruthhurtsthefed]

No one is defending/supporting Christianity. Listen to what I am saying Ozzy. A country has the right to defend the basis that it was founded regardless of religious, language or color. Every nation has this right. Did I say I agree? No. I can understand why they would do this. You are thinking i am religious. No. But one cannot enter a country and enforce their laws and attempt to change the entire foundation of the country for a select few. Do you get it?! Its called respect. I hope that you wouldn't walk into your neighbors house and claim the garage as your new lounging area because you do in your house.

 

[Pennsylvania]

No one is defending/supporting Christianity. Listen to what I am saying Ozzy. A country has the right to defend the basis that it was founded regardless of religious, language or color. Every nation has this right. Did I say I agree? No. I can understand why they would do this. You are thinking i am religious. No. But one cannot enter a country and enforce their laws and attempt to change the entire foundation of the country for a select few. Do you get it?! Its called respect. I hope that you wouldn't walk into your neighbors house and claim the garage as your new lounging area because you do in your house.

The question is whether you support authoritarian means to preserve those aspects of society. This law is an authoritarian means, i.e. it does not involve voluntary efforts by individuals to preserve their heritage.

On another note, the greatest thing about this law is that nobody will abide by it, especially in Ireland.

 

[Dunedain]

Blasphemy against Holocaustianity was illegal prior to this. I guess the 2nd most important religion in Ireland is now has its dogma protected also.

Why can't people just say what they want? I fail to see any reason to protect the truth through legislation. Also, morals and respect can't be legislated.

 

[coyote_sprit]

Blasphemy against Holocaustianity was illegal prior to this. I guess the 2nd most important religion in Ireland is now has its dogma protected also.

Why can't people just say what they want? I fail to see any reason to protect the truth through legislation.

That's blaspheme...

 

[Dunedain]

That's blaspheme...

See? I could never make it in Ireland...

 

[thetruthhurtsthefed]

Ture. The law is authoritarian. Not what I stand for, BUT it prevents minorities (religious, ethnic, educational or whatever minority) from installing THEIR perceived or later enacted supposed rights.
Do you know that in some states, cities, towns, it is illegal to say, or promote Santa Claus?!(it is documented, this is NOT hearsay) or even Merry Christmas?! Why? Is anyone Christian, Muslim or Buddhist trying to make it illegal to say Happy Hanukkah or prevent anyone from putting up a Menorah?
This is what I am against, AND understand why Ireland is doing what it is doing.

 

[BillyDkid]

No one is defending/supporting Christianity. Listen to what I am saying Ozzy. A country has the right to defend the basis that it was founded regardless of religious, language or color. Every nation has this right. Did I say I agree? No. I can understand why they would do this. You are thinking i am religious. No. But one cannot enter a country and enforce their laws and attempt to change the entire foundation of the country for a select few. Do you get it?! Its called respect. I hope that you wouldn't walk into your neighbors house and claim the garage as your new lounging area because you do in your house.

You either believe in/support free speech/expression as a fundamental human right or you don't.

 

[Acala]

Hmmmm

We could start a religion in Ireland that had as its basic principle that it is blasphemy to utter any word of support for Keynesian economics.

"BURN HER! SHE'S A WITCH. SHE TURNED ME INTO A NEWT!"


well, i got better

 

[disorderlyvision]

We could start a religion in Ireland that had as its basic principle that it is blasphemy to utter any word of support for Keynesian economics.

"BURN HER! SHE'S A WITCH. SHE TURNED ME INTO A NEWT!"


well, i got better

 

[fatjohn]

i like the idea of defending the basis of what a country was founded on, unlike the US/Canada which is/has dissolved the basis of what their countries were founded on for a select minority without really thinking of the consequences. i think Ireland is defending itself but trying not swat too hard at the hornets nest (powerful religious minority) by including all religions in this law. Too bad the US doesn't follow suit, because this religious minority in the US is saying/doing anything they want to Christians and Muslims

Why not? What about freedom of speech! Do you find it also right that the democratic majority can impose anything upon you in politics? Why do you find this then with religion? Start thinking for yourself, it might do some good.

 

[JeNNiF00F00]

most retarded shit ive ever heard. What do you say? Happy Winter?? Comeon.

 

[JK/SEA]

religion is a mental dis- order...

oops..'.to the iron maiden with ye'..!!

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Eating spaghetti must be banned. It is blasphemy!

 

[JeNNiF00F00]

religion is a mental dis- order...

oops..'.to the iron maiden with ye'..!!

Who gives a shit.

 

[jmdrake]

No one is defending/supporting Christianity. Listen to what I am saying Ozzy. A country has the right to defend the basis that it was founded regardless of religious, language or color. Every nation has this right. Did I say I agree? No. I can understand why they would do this. You are thinking i am religious. No. But one cannot enter a country and enforce their laws and attempt to change the entire foundation of the country for a select few. Do you get it?! Its called respect. I hope that you wouldn't walk into your neighbors house and claim the garage as your new lounging area because you do in your house.

A sovereign nation has the "right" to pass any law it wants. I just wouldn't want to live there. And I'm a Christian. Actually this law as written is ANTI Christian. Imagine a Christian evangelist preaching among a Hindu minority group saying "Your gods really didn't exist"? That's just as blasphemous to them as an atheist saying "Well your god doesn't exist either".