To examine the law, lets look first at what has been done in other countries regarding the same issue. In the UK, Blasphemous Libel Laws were abolished in July 2008 and were bunched into the Racial and Religious Hatred Act 2006. Perhaps rightfully so...
In Canada, the "crime" of blasphemous libel is penalised with a maximum sentence of 2 year and in New Zealand there is a maximum sentence of 1 year.
The law itself in these countries basically means that any written pieces which are deemed to express hatred or refusal of acceptance of religion in a demeaning manner and or with offensive language are liable to be protested against and the authors are liable for criminal prosecution. Interestingly, there is no clear definition of blesphemous libel, therefore those seeking to create and develop legislation have carte blanche. In its most extreme form this law could have incredible implications for books and publications which could lead to hysteria similar to that seen in Nazi book burnings. In the 21st century, this could mean that beloved (although in my view lame) books such as Harry Potter, Star Trek, James Bond, and any writing related to the non-existence of god or implying "herecy" could be taken from our bookshelves. However, its probably not worth thinking of it as being potentially as extreme. While this law in my eyes seems a bit stupid and unnecessary, I can actually undetstand why it might be proposed. It is, despite what we choose to believe, protecting people. However, I think that with the protection laws that are already in place, religion is already covered pretty well. As well as this, the cost of developing legislation and cost both in money and time to push it through the two houses is perhaps more hassle than it is worth. Additionally, you can bet that the state costs of initial hysteric lawsuits will no doubt be hefty.
But my major problem with this law, is not what it regards, but more about what it is being prioritised over. Namely, the Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Teenage Girls. how can a government justify the expenditure of funds on the devising and design of a law regarding religion and ignore something that could save the lives of thousands of young women in the future. It, in many ways illustrates how our government is pandering for support - "Get the catholics and religious groups on our side, screw the rest" - it is, when contextualised, frankly sickening.
I have deviated from where I was going...sorry...
The other day, I read an article in the Irish Independent (a paper which I do not usually frequent) which astounded me, entitled: "Is It Because I Is Blackrock?" read it here
It concerns some young people being refused from a pub in Dublin's Temple Bar area. They claim to have been discriminated because of their places of origin, namely South Dublin. Now, while I believe strongly that discrimination of a group, or person based on their sex, religion, race, sexuality and otherwise is dispicible, I have a hard time sympathising with these kids. Why? Because I have worked in the pub trade and seldom do people approach a bar at closing time sober, expecially a group of kids. What annoys me about this article is the fact that these self-righteous teens have gone complaining to radio stations about the plight of their fortune but are probably comparing their scruples with those of African-Americans in 1960s America, with Arabs in the 21st Century West, and with the oppressed racial minorities here in Ireland today. Should we sympathise with Ireland's up and coming oligarchs? Part of me says "perhaps" but the most of me says "fOck off!".
I'll leave it to you....
