Dawkins among atheists urging Irish PM to hold blasphemy law referendum

[rug]

Letter from scientists, writers, comedians and politicians criticises Enda Kenny for reneging on promise of referendum on six-year-old legislation

Henry McDonald in Dublin
Tuesday 10 February 2015 12.32 EST

An international group of atheists and secularists including the scientists Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker has challenged the Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, to hold a referendum to repeal Ireland’s 21st century blasphemy law.

Ahead of an historic first meeting between a taoiseach and Irish atheists in Dublin on Tuesday, the group told Kenny that it was his “duty to protect a strong position on behalf of those intimidated in Ireland and, more importantly, on behalf of those facing execution by nations who cite Irish blasphemy laws in justification and mitigation of their behaviour.”

The blasphemy law was introduced in July 2009 by the then Fianna Fáil-led government. Breach of the law is punishable with a fine of up to €25,000 (£19,000).

The letter to the republic’s prime minister, signed by the Irish comedian Ed Byrne and the gay rights activist Rory O’Neill (AKA drag queen Panti), as well as leading figures in science and politics, criticised the Dublin government’s decision to renege on its promise to hold a blasphemy referendum.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/10/dawkins-among-atheists-urging-irish-pm-to-hold-blasphemy-law-referendum

[longship]

1. Good!

Blasphemy is a victimless crime.

Enough is enough.

I am with Dawkins and Pinker.

[rug]

2. Yeah, they're right on this one.

I had no idea Ireland enacted a blasphemy law six years ago.

[longship]

3. Well, unfortunately blasphemy is a fairly common law.

Thankfully it won't likely fly here. But I am sure that without vigilance, we might see something like it.

Hope you are well, rug. Stay warm.

[rug]

4. I was late today. Quarter inch of ice on the windshield.

I suspect it's a lot colder where you are.

[longship]

5. I've been lucky here.

All the nasty shit went to the south, then off to the east. Lake Michigan, about 50 miles to the west, has steered the bad stuff around me. That is common here.

We get kicked in the ass by lake effect snows, though. An Alberta Clipper will come through, pick up moisture from the lake, and just dump it on everybody. That's the time one hunkers down and heats up some rum toddies, hopefully wearing bunny slippers to keep the tootsies warm. That or a spouse.

[cbayer]

6. I hope it is repealed.

Even if it is not enforced, it would be meaningful to get rid of it.

[okasha]

7. A simple repeal

certainly seems easier than a referendum. Minority civil rights should never be determined by majority vote.

[cbayer]

8. I'm amazed that they passed it in the first place.

I thought it was some old thing still on the books, but it is relatively new.