Sunny spells with only rain in the far west






 

 






Blasphemous matter defined

Friday, July 24, 2009

BLASPHEMOUS libel was introduced in an amendment to the existing Defamation Bill, by inserting the line: "A person who publishes or utters blasphemous matter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €25,000."

"Blasphemous matter" is defined as anything "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; and he or she intends, by the publication of the matter concerned, to cause such outrage."

Under the new laws, a garda can enter, using force if needed, any premises where they believe blasphemous material is held.





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