The Guardian published this letter urging removal of the crime of blasphemy from the Irish constitution It was by Atheist Ireland (headed by Mick Nugent) and addressed to Enda Kenny, the Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland. Several of us were asked to sign it, and I did so with alacrity.
Kudos to Atheist Ireland for trying to get this odious law off the books. I’m told that the letter may even have an effect. Note: if you find what’s below hard to read, simply go the Guardian site whose link is above. 
Hard to read the screen shot, especially the signatures. I think Beckett and Joyce would approve.
The original site might be clearer; that’s why I gave a link to it.
So long as we don’t replace it with religious offence or something worse. Next introduce an affirmation instead of a religious oath for president, judges and council of state.
Hear hear! If a person’s word isn’t worth anything, it’s not worth any more for having said magic words.
Also you can sign it to if you want on change.org. https://www.change.org/p/an-taoiseach-enda-kenny-td-hold-a-referendum-to-repeal-ireland-s-blasphemy-laws?recruiter=10488657&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish&utm_term=des-lg-share_petition-reason_msg&fb_ref=Default
Thanks for the link, Kieran. Will do.
Signed
Thanks a lot. Signed.
Thanks for the connection. Everyone should want to sign that petition. Ireland really should be better than this.
Very impressive list of signatures!
Everyone should be against blasphemy laws: strictly speaking, every religious utterance is blasphemy to somone’s religion, and many religious utterances constitute denigration of many other religions. If Ireland truly wants an equal place at the European table, they should take the lead and shame the other nations whose ancient blasphemy laws still stand – even (maybe especially) the ones which no longer enforce them!
Christians decry atheism as a form of religion. They downplay scientific theories as “only a theory.” They convince themselves these are our Gods, and they talk bad about “our Gods.” Blasphemy by their definition. We know their logic is flawed, but that’s not the point. The point is: either they acknowledge the flaws of their argument, or they accept the punishment they bring upon themselves.
Great letter & cast of signatories. May it have a strong impact.
Fingers crossed for a referendum.
It’s a pity I won’t be able to vote even though I live here. Because it’s a constitutional matter, only Irish citizens can take part, and I’m from the UK.
The one name I’m surprised not see on the list is Dara O’Briain.
All my favorite people signed this one – thanks Jerry!
They say that Ireland is the only European country with a contemporary blasphemy law. While technically it may be true, Poland has a law that makes “offending religious feelings of others” a punishable offense, subject to a fine and/or up to 2 years imprisonment. Not a blasphemy law by name, but effectively the same thing. And it’s been actually used against prominent people who criticize religion. Polish pop singer Dorota Rabczewska was fined for stating publicly that the authors of the Bible “must have been drunk and smoking dope”. The amount of the fine was minute compared to Ms. Rabczewska resources, but still may serve as a deterrent to those less financially fortunate, and repeated offenders could well be jailed.
Here’s hoping Atheist Ireland can be successful in their very worthwhile project!