Kerry’s apathy on blasphemy vote

IN just over a week, the people of Ireland will vote on whether to remove or retain the offence of blasphemy in the Constitution.

The referendum for this takes place on Friday, October 26, the same day as the presidential election. Currently, the Constitution states that publishing or saying something blasphemous is a criminal offence – punishable with a fine of up to €25,000.

Although there is no definition of blasphemy in the Constitution, it is defined in the 2009 Defamation Act as ‘ the act of publishing or saying something insulting in matters of religion that outrages a number of followers of any religion’.

A ‘yes’ vote will remove the criminal offence. A ‘no’ vote will retain it.

While many may consider the subject to be a non-issue or something to be scoffed at, many feel it is necessary as part of ‘ modernising’ the country.

The issue was brought to the forefront of the media and the nation’s attention after a member of the public claimed that comments made by Stephen Fry on an RTÉ show were blasphemous.

In February 2015, Mr Fry was speaking to Gay Bryne on ‘ The Meaning of Life’ when he was asked by Mr Byrne what he might say to God at the pearly gates.

“In his response, Fry said he would call God an “utter maniac” and “totally selfish”.

“Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?” he asked.

This caused national debate and highlighted Irish blasphemy laws internationally.

One formal complaint alone cannot result in prosecution under the legislation, however, and there were not enough people outraged by Fry’s comments for him to be prosecuted under the 2009 Defamation Act.

Minister for Justice and Equality Charlie Flanagan, writing in an Op-Ed, threw his own weight behind a ‘ Yes’ vote.

“Freedom of expression and freedom of religion are important values in a democratic society. Criminalising blasphemy does not match with them.

“We in Ireland are known around the world for speaking up for minorities and human rights. Our voice will be all the stronger on this one if we get our own house in order.”

MEANWHILE, The Kerryman took to the streets of Tralee and chatted to over 40 people about the upcom- ing referendum. The general consensus is that people, for the most part, are undecided on which way they will vote.

Stacey O’Connor and her mother, Eileen, from Tralee said they feel the blasphemy referendum has been lost amongst all the coverage of the presidential election. They are undecided – saying they knew “nothing about it until the leaflet came in the post a few days ago”.

Speaking to a couple from Cork, they said that, for them, freedom of speech is hugely important, but it must be balanced with respect for others and the way they live.

“Whatever religion you have is your own business,” they said. “The world should live in peace. It’s religion that has the whole world at war at the moment.”

Benny, a local from Tralee, wasn’t aware the referendum was on however he feels it should be removed from the Constitution but that people should be aware of the consequences of what they say. “You can and should be able to say what you want, but you are still responsible for what you say.”

Helen Dineen, also from Tralee, said the referendum is of little concern to her – “I couldn’t be bothered to vote, I’m not interested”.

Tralee students April Vaughan, Amy Dunkan and Ciara Mulvihill feel it is a complex issue, and the referendum is one that the public hasn’t been adequately informed of.

Speaking to Ella Hogan and Ciara Culhan, they said they have heard briefly about the referendum but do not have enough knowledge to make a decision or comment on which way they will vote.

A group of Tralee students, Roisin O’Sullivan, Seamus O’Leary, Maura Foley and Maeve Conway, feel it is important to vote yes in the referendum to remove the offence and that “you should be held accountable for what you say, but not to the point of it being criminal”.

Alison McGaley said she is undecided on which way she will vote, but she gave us a few words to conclude the interviews.

“It’s important to respect other religions, and there’s no reason to disrespect anyone else’s beliefs. But, it shouldn’t be seen on the scale of being criminally punishable. There has to be some sort of balance to keep order, whatever that balance may be.”

YOU SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT YOU SAY BUT NOT TO THE POINT OF IT BEING CRIMINAL