blasphemy.ie

January 31, 2010

PZ Myers to speak at Atheist Ireland meeting this Monday

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, PZ Myers — Michael Nugent @ 1:16 pm

PZ Myers, author of the science blog Pharyngula and biology professor at the University of Minnesota, USA, will speak at an Atheist Ireland meeting at Buswells Hotel, Dublin, at 7.30 pm tomorrow, Monday 1st February.

Admission is free, and members of the public are welcome.

The theme will be the Atheist Ireland campaigns against the Irish blasphemy law, and for a secular constitution and a secular education system.

The following quote from PZ Myers about the desecration of communion hosts is among the 25 blasphemous quotes that Atheist published a month ago when the Irish blasphemy law became operational:

“You would not believe how many people are writing to me, insisting that these horrible little crackers (they look like flattened bits of styrofoam) are literally pieces of their god, and that this omnipotent being who created the universe can actually be seriously harmed by some third-rate liberal intellectual at a third-rate university… However, inspired by an old woodcut of Jews stabbing the host, I thought of a simple, quick thing to do: I pierced it with a rusty nail (I hope Jesus’s tetanus shots are up to date). And then I simply threw it in the trash, followed by the classic, decorative items of trash cans everywhere, old coffeegrounds and a banana peel.”

While in Ireland, PZ will also be speaking about science and creationism at UCD on Tuesday Feb 2nd, and at NUI Galway on Thursday February 4th, at meetings organised by the UCD Secular Humanist Society and the NUI Galway Skeptic Society and ZooSoc. You can get details on tickets for these events, subject to availability, by emailing ucdhumanistsociety@gmail.com or k.mcinerney3@nuigalway.ie

January 1, 2010

Atheist Ireland Publishes 25 Blasphemous Quotes

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Freedom of Speech, Is this Blasphemy?, Quotes — Michael Nugent @ 12:33 am

From today, 1 January 2010, the new Irish blasphemy law becomes operational, and we begin our campaign to have it repealed. Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine. The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted.

This new law is both silly and dangerous. It is silly because medieval religious laws have no place in a modern secular republic, where the criminal law should protect people and not ideas. And it is dangerous because it incentivises religious outrage, and because Islamic States led by Pakistan are already using the wording of this Irish law to promote new blasphemy laws at UN level.

We believe in the golden rule: that we have a right to be treated justly, and that we have a responsibility to treat other people justly. Blasphemy laws are unjust: they silence people in order to protect ideas. In a civilised society, people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous.

Publication of 25 blasphemous quotes

In this context we now publish a list of 25 blasphemous quotes, which have previously been published by or uttered by or attributed to Jesus Christ, Muhammad, Mark Twain, Tom Lehrer, Randy Newman, James Kirkup, Monty Python, Rev Ian Paisley, Conor Cruise O’Brien, Frank Zappa, Salman Rushdie, Bjork, Amanda Donohoe, George Carlin, Paul Woodfull, Jerry Springer the Opera, Tim Minchin, Richard Dawkins, Pope Benedict XVI, Christopher Hitchens, PZ Myers, Ian O’Doherty, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Dermot Ahern.

Despite these quotes being abusive and insulting in relation to matters held sacred by various religions, we unreservedly support the right of these people to have published or uttered them, and we unreservedly support the right of any Irish citizen to make comparable statements about matters held sacred by any religion without fear of being criminalised, and without having to prove to a court that a reasonable person would find any particular value in the statement.

Campaign begins to repeal the Irish blasphemy law

We ask Fianna Fail and the Green Party to repeal their anachronistic blasphemy law, as part of the revision of the Defamation Act that is included within the Act. We ask them to hold a referendum to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Irish Constitution.

We also ask all TDs and Senators to support a referendum to remove references to God from the Irish Constitution, including the clauses that prevent atheists from being appointed as President of Ireland or as a Judge without swearing a religious oath asking God to direct them in their work.

If you run a website, blog or other media publication, please feel free to republish this statement and the list of quotes yourself, in order to show your support for the campaign to repeal the Irish blasphemy law and to promote a rational, ethical, secular Ireland.

List of 25 Blasphemous Quotes Published by Atheist Ireland

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September 30, 2009

Campaign for a Secular Irish Constitution

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Irish Constitution, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 12:16 am

Today is International Blasphemy Day, administered by the Center For Inquiry as part of its Campaign for Free Expression. Atheist Ireland is an advocacy group for an ethical and secular Ireland: see details in these Irish Times articles on the Irish blasphemy law and our first AGM.

Atheist Ireland is seeking your help today to launch and shape a new long-term campaign with two important aims: to repeal the new Irish blasphemy law and to attain a secular Irish Constitution. Specifically, we are asking you to do three things: send us a message of support, get actively involved in shaping this project, and lobby to persuade Irish politicians to pursue these policies.

We will soon be holding public meetings around Ireland to launch this campaign. We want it to include religious and nonreligious people working together, within Ireland and with international support. The campaign has one common aim that transcends any other differences we may have: that all Irish citizens, of all beliefs and none, can live together in equality, with the State being neutral on matters of religion.

In recent decades, several independent and all-party committees (most whose members were Christians) have repeatedly called for an end to discrimination against nonreligious citizens in our Constitution. Not only has this not been done, but a new religious crime has now been created. The blasphemy law is the final straw. We need a secular Irish Constitution, and we need it now. Please help to make this happen.

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July 29, 2009

Blasphemy law delayed until October

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 9:53 pm

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 all provisions of the Act simultaneously. However, it is not possible to make a commencement order at present as the Circuit and Superior Court Rules need to be amended to accommodate a number of procedural changes in the new legislation. It is not possble to give an exact date yet for commencement of the Act but it is expected to be mid to late October.”

The Minister has the option of commencing different parts of the Act at different times. Atheist Ireland will continue to ask him to delay commencing the blasphemy sections, until such time as a referendum can be held to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Constitution.

July 23, 2009

Campaign to Repeal the Blasphemy Law

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Irish Constitution, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 4:33 pm

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 a referendum to remove the blasphemy reference from the Irish Constitution, as part of our wider campaign for an ethical and secular Ireland.

We call on the Minister for Justice to delay signing the order that would make the blasphemy sections of the Defamation Act operable, until such time as a referendum can be held to remove the reference to blasphemy from the Constitution.

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July 21, 2009

Is the Blasphemy Law Unconstitutional?

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Irish Constitution, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 2:39 pm

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 of equality under the law enshrined in Article 40.1 of the Irish Constitution, and of freedom of conscience and religion enshrined in Article 44.2.
  • The law is contrary to Article 44.2.3 of the Irish Constitution, which says that the State shall not impose any disabilities or make any discrimination on the ground of religious profession, belief or status.
  • The law shifts the burden of proof to the defendant in contravention of Article 38 of the Constitution, and of Schedule 1, Article 6, 2. and 3(a) of the European Convention on Human Rights Act, 2003.
  • The law does not meet the standard of prevention of imminent public disorder that made the old English blasphemy law compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights.
  • The definitions in the law are too vague to allow citizens to regulate their conduct, and it could make it unlawful for a religious citizen to inform his co-religionists about a statement he believes to be blasphemous.

Here is the full content of our letter:

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July 17, 2009

In the News – July 6 to July 19

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, In the News — Michael Nugent @ 9:55 pm

July 14, 2009

Speeches from Atheist Ireland AGM

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Dermotology, Father Ted, Ivana Bacik, Videos — Michael Nugent @ 12:40 pm

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

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July 10, 2009

Blasphemy Law is Dangerous, Silly, Unjust

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Michael Nugent — Michael Nugent @ 9:59 pm

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 signed into law (it passed through the Oireachtas last night but only on the casting vote of the chair of the Seanad), Atheist Ireland will quickly test it by publishing a blasphemous statement. People need protection from harm, but ideas and beliefs should always be open to challenge.

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July 8, 2009

Dail Passes Blasphemy Law

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 3:24 pm

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 what has been discussed ad nauseum. There was an average of six TDs in the Dail during debate.

The law now only has to pass through Seanad before being signed into law by President. It is scheduled for 10.30 am tomorrow morning in the Seanad. The Atheist Ireland AGM will plan a response to this blasphemy law, between 2-5pm this Saturday in Wynns Hotel Dublin. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Please attend, and also invite anyone you think might be interested in campaigning for an ethical and secular Ireland.

July 5, 2009

Father Ted Creators Back Challenge to Law

Filed under: Arthur Mathews, Atheist Ireland, Father Ted, Graham Linehan, Michael Nugent — Michael Nugent @ 12:50 am

Father Ted creators Arthur Mathews and Graham Linehan are supporting a challenge by Atheist Ireland to the new blasphemy law. If the bill becomes law, which may happen this week or next, Atheist Ireland will challenge it by publishing a blasphemous statement.

The Observer article also mentions our AGM next Saturday from 2-5 pm in Wynns Hotel in Dublin. Members of the public are welcome. Please come along and bring any friends who you think might be interested in campaigning against this law and for an ethical secular Ireland.

In the News – June 29 to July 5

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, In the News — Michael Nugent @ 12:37 am

June 23, 2009

Help Needed for Next Phase of Campaign

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign — Michael Nugent @ 2:32 pm

We have now completed our series of four public meetings (in Waterford, Dublin, Cork and Limerick) and we are moving on to the following four-stranded campaign:

  1. Lobbying of politicians, especially members of the Justice Committee
  2. Building a broader coalition against the proposed bill
  3. Examining legal challenges to the proposed law
  4. Continuing with public advocacy including further meetings, gigs etc.

Now that the Lisbon referendum has been announced, we will be seeking to have a referendum to drop the blasphemy reference from the Constutution on the same day (while also arguing that the new law not be enacted in any case).

Your help will be very important in this phase of the campaign. Which if any of the following activities can you help with?

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June 17, 2009

Speeches from Limerick Meeting

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Dermotology, Larry Maher, Midwest Humanists, Videos — Michael Nugent @ 4:03 pm

Here are the speeches from the recent Limerick meeting against the proposed Irish blasphemy law, courtesy of Limerick Blogger.

Michael Nugent, Atheist Ireland, and Larry Maher, Midwest Humanists

Blasphemy is a Victimless Crime from Limerick Blogger on Vimeo.

June 15, 2009

Speeches from Cork Meeting

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, HAI, Lothar Luken, Videos — Michael Nugent @ 4:35 pm

Here is the first of the speeches from the recent Cork meeting against the proposed Irish blasphemy law. We will upload more soon. Thanks to Tom for filming and uploading the videos.

Lothar Luken, Cork poet and member of Humanist Association of Ireland

June 12, 2009

Speeches from Dublin Meeting

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Dermotology, Dick Spicer, HAI, Ian O'Doherty, Michael Nugent, Robbie Bonham, Videos — Michael Nugent @ 4:08 pm

Here are the speeches from the recent Dublin meeting against the proposed Irish blasphemy law, along with discussion from the floor and responses from the panelists. There are nine videos, covering 80 minutes of the meeting. Thanks to Paul for filming and uploading them.

Introduction by Michael Nugent, writer and chair of Atheist Ireland
(10 mins: introducing the blasphemy law and the Church of Dermotology)

Robbie Bonham, comedian and cartoonist, on artistic expression
(10 mins: includes end of Michael Nugent speech; Robbie Bonham introduced at 0:55)

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May 22, 2009

Speeches from Waterford Meeting

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Barry Grant, Campaign, Irish Law, Michael Nugent, Videos — Michael Nugent @ 1:17 pm

The first public meeting against the blasphemy law took place on Thursday 21 May 2009 in the Tower Hotel, Waterford. Here are the speeches by Michael Nugent, chair of Atheist Ireland and Barry Grant, Waterford citizen and campaigner.

Michael Nugent outlines the context of the proposed law

Barry Grant analyses the detail of the proposed law

May 20, 2009

Submission to Justice Committee

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Campaign, Irish Law, Irish Politics — Michael Nugent @ 4:00 am

The All-Party Justice Committee is meeting today to discuss the Defamation Bill, and we have arranged to send them a submission which will be circulated to them before they meet. Here is a draft of this submission. Any feedback welcome, before we send it over to the Committee.

Update: the submission has now been sent to the Justice Committee.

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May 11, 2009

Help Stop the Irish Blasphemy Law

Filed under: Atheist Ireland — Michael Nugent @ 1:01 am

Do you want to stop the Irish government from reviving the medieval crime of blasphemy? Do you want to promote a rational, ethical and secular society in Ireland? 

  • Please leave a comment, and we’ll pass it on to the Government.
  • Please let us know if you want to help this campaign in any way. 

May 3, 2009

In the News – Sunday May 3

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, In the News — Michael Nugent @ 11:11 pm

April 29, 2009

In the News – Wed April 29

Filed under: Atheist Ireland, Dermot Ahern, In the News, Irish Law — Michael Nugent @ 11:55 pm

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