IRELAND'S CATHOLIC bishops have called for a relaxation of restrictions on religious advertising in new broadcasting legislation which will come before the Dáil and Seanad this autumn.
In the first specific call for a change in the law, the bishops said the Oireachtas should consider amending the restrictions on religious advertising contained in the Broadcasting Act 2008. Section 41 of the Bill retains provisions from earlier Acts restricting adverts "directed towards religious ends".
In a statement issued following the autumn general meeting of the Irish Bishops' Conference in Maynooth this week, the hierarchy asks the Government and Opposition parties to permit the broadcasting of religious advertising "as long as the advertisement in question is not contrary to the common good".
It is the first time that the bishops have specifically asked for a change in legislation. It is understood that discussion came up following a decision by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland not to permit the broadcasting of a radio ad for Communion and Confirmation presents prepared for the Catholic publisher and retailer Veritas.
They have also criticised similar "bans" on religious ads on radio and television.
The bishops also indicated that they will comment in detail at a later date about the Civil Partnership Bill, the full text of which is due to be published in early 2009.
The Bill, which intends to provide for a system of registration of same-sex partnerships, was the subject of a detailed discussion at the meeting.
The statement drew attention to the obligation under Article 41.3.1 of the Constitution to guard the institution of marriage with special care. "The Irish Constitution rightly acknowledges the unique status of marriage and why it is appropriate for government to support that status with special measures, including special measures in taxation and social welfare."
They repeated the views expressed in a submission made to the Oireachtas committee on the family earlier this year. The bishops argued for the retention of the special status of marriage while acknowledging that appropriate measures could be taken to recognise other forms of dependent relationship in society.
However, the bishops said it would be discriminatory to confine those recognitions to those only in sexual relationships. "The creation of a category of 'marriage-like' relationships which would enjoy special protections would seem to contradict . . . Article 41.3.1," they stated.
The statement also describes the recent downturn in the economy as "particularly worrying" because price inflation is rising for basic commodities. "Inflation is being felt most by those on low wages or on State income support. Of particular concern is the rising cost of food and fuel," it stated.
Concern was also voiced that the Northern Executive has not met since June.