Why is the New Irish Blasphemy Law So Controversial?
The Irish Defamation Act 2009, which came into force on the 1st January 2010, makes it an offence to publish or utter matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion. The blasphemous material must be intended to cause outrage among a substantial number of adherents to the religion. The law applies to blasphemy regarding any religion, not just Christianity. The Irish government believes the new law is necessary as the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland, dating back to 1937, only offers Christians legal protection of their beliefs. This has proven to be a highly controversial law. Atheists and human rights campaigners have branded it as dangerous and a threat to today’s secular society. They are worried that the new law will threaten the right of freedom of expression that is protected by the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR). Commentators believe that the law encourages religious outrage and criminalises free speech, effective
