Madam, – It is more than ironic that shortly after four bishops are forced to resign over a child abuse scandal, Ireland should pass a blasphemy law or any law protecting religion.
If our flannel-mouthed representatives want to pass laws, they can start by adequately protecting children, who are far more numerous than bishops.
Article 36 of this law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering “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”.
Our worthies should be more concerned with the outrages caused by various religious persons, who have caused far more damage to the Irish people, physically and mentally, than by anyone who might utter an insult to the adherent of any religion.
For centuries people in every country in the world (Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and a few other ghastly places excepted) have been hurling “matter that is grossly abusive or insulting” and “causing outrage” among substantial numbers of religious adherents. May they continue. The religions have survived. The outspoken may not have.
Isn’t it about time that Ireland passed a law giving us freedom from religion?