Next Irish Referendum Confirmed And Will Be Just As Big A Talking Point As Repeal Referendum

The Irish Government has announced that they have approved a referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution.

It is being rumoured to take place in October with some saying it could be the same day as the Presidential election.

Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan, took the proposal before cabinet on Tuesday morning and the bill is set to be published in the coming weeks.

Under The Defamation Act of 2009, blasphemy is a crime which carries a €25,000 fine.

It is defined by the act as a “matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion”

The Government has approved the holding of a referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution. It is expected to take place in October, possibly on the same day as the Presidential election.
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 12, 2018

The line of the Constitution that the minister wants to be removed is: "The publication or utterance of blasphemous, seditious, or indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law."

The line of the Constitution the minister wants removed is: "The publication or utterance of blasphemous, seditious, or indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law."