The EHF welcomes the removal of blasphemy from statute law in Ireland
A few days before the start of the year 2020, Ireland suppressed blasphemy and related offenses from its laws.
The European Humanist Federation warmly welcomes the adoption of the Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related Matters) Act removing blasphemy from Irish statute books. In the 2018 referendum, the Irish people had decided to remove it from the Constitution by 64.85%. This last step puts an end to the offence of blasphemy and amends laws on film censorship to remove any reference to blasphemous matter.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental principle of a free, open and democratic society. It includes the right to criticise or mock religious dogmas, beliefs and institutions. The European Humanist Federation recalls that “blasphemy” and “insult to religion” laws contravene freedom of expression and are in violation of the international human rights framework.
The European Humanist Federation is part of the campaign to end blasphemy laws worldwide.