July 2009 |

July 29, 2009 24 Comments Michael Nugent

Blasphemy law delayed until October

The Defamation Act will probably not become operable until mid to late October, because the rules of court need to be amended to accommodate it. The Law Reform Division of the Department of Justice has confirmed that: "The Act is subject to a commencement order. It is intended to commence ...

July 29, 2009 3 Comments Michael Nugent

In the News – July 27 to Aug 2

Irish blasphemers, beware! New law befuddles nation, but fulfills Constitution (news item by Michael Seaver in the Christian Science Monitor, July 28)

July 23, 2009 53 Comments Michael Nugent

Campaign to Repeal the Blasphemy Law

Today the Irish President signed into law the Defamation Act that includes the newly-defined crime of blasphemy. This law will become operable when the Minister for Justice signs an order making it so. Atheist Ireland will now campaign for the repeal of this anachronistic and dangerous blasphemy law, and for ...

July 22, 2009 No Comments Michael Nugent

In the News – July 20 to July 26

Atheist Ireland calls on Minister to delay blasphemy order (second half of this news item in the Irish Times, July 24) Opponents to continue fight after blasphemy made illegal (news item in the Irish Independent, July 24) I have the right not merely to offend people, but to intend to ...

July 21, 2009 20 Comments Michael Nugent

Is the Blasphemy Law Unconstitutional?

Atheist Ireland has sent a letter to the President of Ireland, outlining our concerns about the constitutionality of the new blasphemy law, for her to consider before she discusses the issue with the Council of State tomorrow. In our letter we argue the following: The law is contrary to the guarantees ...

July 17, 2009 No Comments Michael Nugent

In the News – July 6 to July 19

President calls Council of State meeting (news item in the Irish Times, July 17) Blasphemy law is an anachronism (opinion piece in the Offaly Express, July 15) Blasphemy law a return to middle ages - Dawkins (news item by Alison Healy in the Irish Times, July 13) Blasphemy law is ...

July 14, 2009 6 Comments Michael Nugent

Speeches from Atheist Ireland AGM

Here are the opening speeches from the Atheist Ireland AGM on Saturday, which focus on the blasphemy law now passed by the Oireachtas. Introduction and opening speech by Senator Ivana Bacik (more…)

July 10, 2009 No Comments Michael Nugent

Blasphemy Law is Dangerous, Silly, Unjust

In this article, first published in the Irish Times on July 10, Michael Nugent describes why the blasphemy law is dangerous, silly and unjust. Why has Dermot Ahern, in 2009, made blasphemy a crime punishable by a fine of €25,000? When this anachronistic part of the now Defamation Act is ...

July 8, 2009 19 Comments Michael Nugent

Dail Passes Blasphemy Law

The blasphemy law has now been passed in the Dail, as part of Defamation Act, with no debate on the blasphemy amendments. The debate was restricted to an hour (for the full Defamation Bill). Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said that extending time for the blasphemy amendments would just be regurgitating ...

July 7, 2009 2 Comments Michael Nugent

Dail to Vote on Blasphemy Law Tomorrow

The Defamation Bill is scheduled for debate in the Dail tomorrow morning, Wednesday 8 July. The debate for the entire Bill is restricted to one hour or less. This means that there will be little or no time to properly discuss the blasphemy sections. Here is the full wording of ...