News by email Donate

Suggestions

Taped-mouth-main_article_image.jpg
CC0 Public Domain
UK News

Campaign demands end of 'archaic' blasphemy laws in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Humanists said insulting religion should be removed as an offence under common law, the Libel Amendment Act 1888 and the Criminal Libel Act 1819.

The group said: "Retaining blasphemy laws, like those in Northern Ireland, even if they are not often used, legitimises their use in countries such as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia where people face the death penalty.

"The abolition of these laws, on the other hand, can be a striking declaration to the world that free speech should not be a crime.

"Recent abolitions in New Zealand, Canada, Ireland and elsewhere have had this beneficial effect."

Northern Ireland Humanists, which is part of Humanists UK, is urging people to contact their Member of the Legislative Assembly to express support for removing the laws - which are seldom used.

Chair, Iain Deboys said: "The vast majority of people would surely agree that these archaic laws are damaging and have no place in a democratic society like ours that values both freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression.

Creative commons

"It is crucial that we uphold our rights to legitimate criticism of religious beliefs when necessary and that we are protected by the law in doing so."

But critics of the campaign say blasphemy legislation promotes respect for religion.

Retired Free Presbyterian minister, Rev David McIlveen told the BBC: "I believe that the current law on blasphemy should be maintained [because it] acknowledges that people should accept those who believe in the existence of a true and living God."

Blasphemy laws in England and Wales were repealed in 2008. Last year, Scotland's ruling SNP party said it wanted to scrap similar laws there.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

Tell us what you think about our news service, what you want and how Premier fits into your news landscape. Take our quick survey!

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate