Friday, August 28, 2009



Ireland's new blasphemy law

We read:
"The Irish government plans to bring into force a new law in October that critics say is a return to medieval justice. The legislation, aimed at providing judges with clear direction on the 1937 Constitution's blasphemy prohibition, imposes a fine of up to 25,000 euros - about $39,000 - for anyone who "publishes or utters matter that is (intentionally meant to be) 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."

Police with a search warrant will be able to enter private premises and use "reasonable force" to obtain incriminating evidence.

The initiative has stunned some Irish and international commentators who say it contradicts Ireland's recent emergence as a more multicultural, tech-savvy country that has in recent years showed its independence from the Roman Catholic church by liberalizing its divorce law

Source

Hah! It's clear from the way the law is worded that it's Muslims, not Catholics who are being placated.

6 comments:

Plenty O' Tool said...

It's Ireland. Like, who cares.

Stan B said...

So the police and courts now have to be mind readers to determine whether what someone said was "intentionally meant to be" blasphemy!

We need cops like that in America! We just assume that everyone who holds more than a certain number of grams of pot INTENDS to sell it!

Anonymous said...

screw islam..come and get me ireland.

Anonymous said...

Plenty O' Tool said...

"It's Ireland. Like, who cares"

Like most "laws" in Ireland this will be used ONLY against the Conservatives by the overwhelming Liberal elements in government to placate the MUSLIMS!

Mark my words; the Muslim population in Ireland is currently estimated to be 35,000 and growing. The government has abandoned the Catholic church in favour of appeasement of the Islamic squeeky wheel.

Another Irish solution to an Irish problem

The dominant culture of the citizens in the Republic of Ireland is, and has always been one of stealth, hypocracy and blatent bully tactics.

Alcohol is the only means of copeing with the depressing weather and the depressing attitudes of the citizenry.

Anonymous said...

They won't be drinking much when the muslims take over. The sooner the better!

Anonymous said...

so, all someone has to do is claim he thinks you intended to insult his religion and you get a hefty fine?
Because if that's the actual wording, what you actually said is irrelevant, all that's relevant is your intent (and that's whatever someone else says it is of course).