March 15, 2010
Source: Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/15/ireland-referendum-blasphemy-law
Ireland is to hold a referendum on removing a blasphemy ban from the constitution, the justice minister announced yesterday.
At the beginning of the year, the republic introduced legislation making blasphemy a crime punishable with a fine of up to €25,000 (£22,800).
The law defines blasphemy as "publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters sacred by any religion, thereby intentionally causing outrage among a substantial number of adherents of that religion, with some defences permitted". The referendum will be held this autumn.