Yes or No choice on blasphemy change

AS WELL as having our say on who should become President, on Friday we will also be asked to vote on a proposal to change the constitution of Ireland in relation to the issue of blasphemy. Currently blasphemy – described as ‘publishing or saying something that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents to that religion - is a criminal offence in Ireland which carries a fine of up to €25,000.

The matter came to a head in 2017 when gardaí were forced to launch an investigation into comments made by Stephen Fry about God on Gay Byrne’s ‘The Meaning of Life’ show on RTÉ. While no prosecution was taken against Fry in the end, the fact that the matter was investigated by gardaí garnered international headlines and was seen in some quarters as an attack on free speech.

A ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum will mean that blasphemy will no longer be a criminal offence in Ireland, while a ‘No’ will retain article 40.1.6 and ensure that people can still be prosecuted for saying or publishing something blasphemous.

While this referendum may not carry the same weight as the one on the 8th amendment earlier this year, it is nonetheless important and people are being urged to exercise their votes and have their say on Friday.

RIGHT: The referendum leaflet.