Madam, – Unfortunately Ken Mooney (January 5th) misses the point.
The publishing of 25 blasphemous statements by Atheist Ireland serves to highlight the ridiculousness of the new blasphemy law.
By including quotes from Jesus and Pope Benedict, it shows that, had these words been uttered in Ireland after January 1st, 2010, both could conceivably be prosecuted for offering their opinions. He also says the publishing of the statements proves Atheist Ireland “has little respect” for people of all religions, and suggests the organisation is trying ”to force its own creed upon all”.
As far as I can see, the publishing of these statements is a fight for respect. Freedom of speech must be a fundamental right of any true democracy, and the blasphemy law tramples on this right.
In 2009 Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor was quoted as saying he considered atheists were “not fully human”.
While I may not agree with him, I respect his right to air his opinion.
This archaic law brings us a step back, closer to a time when the Catholic Church in this country was revered to a degree that people dared not speak out against it for fear of repercussion. How did that go? – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I note in relation to the Defamation Act (“Atheists Rally over Blasphemy Law”, January 4th), that the Act states it shall be a defence to proceedings for the defendant to “prove that a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates”.
Why does it not include the “truth“?
This law is an insult to the survivors of child sex abuse. – Yours, etc,