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12th Jun 2018

OFFICIAL: There will be a referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution

Paul Moore

united ireland

The Government made the announcement this evening.

The Government has approved the holding of a referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution. It is expected to take place in October, possibly on the same day as the Presidential election.

Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan, brought the proposals to the cabinet this morning and while there’s no wording for the amendment just yet, the referendum bill is set to be published in coming weeks.

At present, The Defamation Act 2009 makes blasphemy a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine.

Blasphemy is defined as “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”

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