Varadkar calls the repeal of blasphemy a step towards changing laws
THE Taoiseach has hailed Ireland’s blasphemy referendum as a small step towards creating a 21st century constitution.
Mr Varadkar said the change was approved by around 65% of the electorate.
The anticipated result will remove the term from the State’s official statement of values.
Mr Varadkar said: “It is very much part of an ongoing campaign in many ways to reform our constitution, to make it a 21st century constitution or a 21st century Republic. This is the next small step in what is a very big deal, which is the reform of our constitution, so the next set of referenda are pencilled in for May.”
Blasphemy was defined as publishing or uttering something “grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion”.
The law was in the spotlight last year when gardai, probed comments made by actor Stephen Fry in which he was asked what he would say to God.
He replied: “How dare you create a world to which there is such misery that is not our fault. It’s not right, it’s utterly, utterly evil.”
This is a very small step in what is a very big deal LEO VARADKAR YESTERDAY