"a Muslim law for non-Muslim people" Kev Myers on EIREstan's Blasphemy Law

[corelli]

I am opposed to it as well. But in the event that it is introduced it will be used by Muslims to silence criticism of their religion. No point in trying the old moral equivalence because Opus Dei has never tried to shut anyone up using the law or tried to physical harm to anyone.

Well, Senator Ronan Mullen, who I don't think anybody can doubt, is fervently catholic in belief and in utterance, was on Prime Time the other night defending the introduction of the Legislation. I would not be so sure that elements of the RC Church won't utalise it.

[imokyrok]

A lot of the Official Left (and some FF backbenchers) have been fairly quiet about this, most notably the Greens and SF. If they don't speak out, we are entitled to draw conclusions. We are also entitled to look at parallels in other countries like the UK where a blasphemy-law has been replaced with essentially the same thing under an expanded concept of 'incitement to hatred' under which blasphemy is effectively banned anyway - and this was under a Labour govt. The same happened in Canada, with aggressive prosecutions of figures who criticise radical Islam including Mark Steyn. I make no apologies in calling for vigilance against the same thing happening here.

I can't speak for what SF say as I pay them no attention but the labour party are definitely against it although I think their attempt to make a joke of the bill by watering it down was misguided. So are FG - had a long talk with their press office about the matter. The greens have also come out against it, though I'm not holding my breath that they'll have the courage of their convictions. To attempt to portray this as an us against them issue is just a fallacy whether it be left against right or christian against muslim. The truth is that the whole population is predominantly against this or at least neutral. I haven't heard one person apart from gombeen (I'll refrain from saying right-wing )Catholic Ahern try to justify it.

[Metric]

Unfortunately it is the whingings of the Egan cult that are likely to be listened to by powers that be, down to the sheer and utter contempt that current government has for the wishes of the Irish people, all in an attempt to appease a few nutjobs in exchange for a few measly votes.

Myers as usual, nail on the head.

[pete2]

Frankly never mind the blasphemy legislation that article should be looked at under the incitement to hatred legislation...

I think you might have a point there, but he has always sailed close to the wind when it comes to "Hate Speech". Although to be fair ideas of "Hate Speech" do tend to get him quite exercised.

Its a shame contributors to this thread didn't join in the other thread I started about antisemitism and Holocaust denial laws for Ireland. They would be much more useful to society than a law on offending a mythical sky god.

[The OD]

Myers and his opinions aside, I have no intention of observing this law to the extent that I will find a way to make sure I can publish something that falls foul of this and then let the law do as they will.

Its a direct assault on personal freedom.

[swansandtyphus]

Now I agree with Myres in the sense that it will only encourage religious extremists, but he solely confines it to militant muslim immigrants!! Quel suprise!! A lovely display of xenophobia!!

Islam is not a race.

[Toland]

_. P .., .S.
. .:............. ....
....:.................._ ....,
............ .............., .:..
....... . . _:........ :..
_...... . .<........ ....
,...... ....... ..._.
_..... ..:...) .....
:.... ..:.... .....
.... _:..... .....
...... .....U..._.
..... _:..... (
O..... ......
:... ) .......
....._ . ...E:..),
.:.... ).... . _.....
..... ,...... .:....
) ..... ...:.._ .....
....... ..:..... ...+,
. :...... )..:...,. ....
.:....... ..+......., _:...
............?. .............. .....
. .......:............,. :...
. :..............) ...
.. I. .. ,D.

[corelli]

Islam is not a race.

I said xenophobia, not racism. Xenophobia refers to foreigners, simpliciter, nothing to do with race.

With respect, you might actually read and understand my posts before you deign to correct me.

[Chrisco]

He is spot on. The multiculturalist Left should now see where this ideology is leading us. If you accept the principle of cultural-neutrality by the State, then blasphemy-laws come with that.

I'm not entirely sure that follows; surely cultural neutrality means the State remains neutral in religious affairs also?

[imokyrok]

Unfortunately it is the whingings of the Egan cult that are likely to be listened to by powers that be, down to the sheer and utter contempt that current government has for the wishes of the Irish people, all in an attempt to appease a few nutjobs in exchange for a few measly votes.

Myers as usual, nail on the head.

I don't begin to comprehend Aherns reasoning behind this but come on do you really think he's drafting on behalf of that particular group of nutjobs. FF do popularism remember . They just got it wrong on this one which is not too surprising since they've long forgotten how to connect with real Ireland.

Read back through that article and imagine it written in say the US with the word Catholic or Irish in place of Muslim. He wouldn't be long in the job, - but it is fashionable to say what you want about an entire community when they are Muslim these days.