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President signs controversial bills into law
Thursday, 23 July 2009
President Mary McAleese has signed the Defamation Bill 2006 and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 into law.
Mrs. McAleese presided over a three hour meeting of the Council of State which discussed the constitutionality of both measures last night.
The criminal justice legislation has been criticised as it provides for those involved in organised crime and criminal gangs to be tried in the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
The Defamation Bill has been at the centre of controversy as it includes a definition of the crime of blasphemy.
However Mrs. McAleese has decided against referring either bill to the Supreme Court to test their constitutionality and has now signed them to enable them become law.
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