Ireland’s Blasphemy Law – I would like to think this would never happen here…
Atheist Ireland has been slapped with a $35,800 fine for violating blasphemy laws. The group was sited after publishing anti-religion quotes by such luminaries as The Pope, Jesus, Muhammad, and Bjork. Blasphemy laws? Really? It is 2010 right, not 1010?
I would really like to believe that this kind of ridiculous law could never be enacted here in the United States. But, there are religious test laws on the books of several states. There was a minor hubbub in North Carolina where a city councilman came under fire for being an Atheist and modifying the oath of office removing references to God. There is the scandal on C Street and the political power of “The Family“. There are raving fundamentalists in congress and hilarious if it weren’t so horrifying legislation that is introduced year after year. There is danger at the crossroads of religion and politics. It’s a slippery slope.
Articles:
- From the Guardian UK
- From the Irish Times
- New York Daily News
Note: Personally, I think they should pay a fine for quoting Bjork. Juuuuust kidding. Sorta. Bjork rhymes with spork. Okay. I’m done.
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