Judges’ oath to God may be removed
A REFERENDUM to remove the reference to ‘Almighty God’ in the oath judges take while being sworn into office is being considered by Charlie Flanagan.
References to ‘God’ in the Constitution and in the oaths that presidents and judges must take have long been a subject of controversy.
The Humanist Association of Ireland last year said that the clauses prevent non-religious people from being appointed President of Ireland or a judge being appointed without swearing a religious oath.
Atheist Ireland has said it will be urging Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to ensure the referendum happens.
In a parliamentary question, Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger TD asked Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, pictured, for his views on the potential constitutional reform ‘on the matter of religious-based oaths for senior positions in the State’. Mr Flanagan, pictured, said: ‘A referendum would be required to amend the relevant provisions of the Constitution.’ He pointed towards three articles in the Constitution requiring the President, members of the Council of State and judges to swear an oath to God.
Mr Flanagan said he was looking at whether wording for Article 34.6.1 of the Constitution should now be removed, saying: ‘The matter is currently under consideration.’ A series of referenda are likely next year and in 2019, the Taoiseach has indicated.