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Republic's blasphemy law sparks hellish trek

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

An atheist is about to walk the length of Ireland to protest against the blasphemy law introduced in the Republic.

Former social worker and English teacher Paul Gill (38), who lives in Fahan, Co Donegal, claims that making blasphemy a crime undermines freedom of speech.

“It is a draconian, oppressive tool to use against people in a so-called vibrant democracy and it is unenforcable. Laws should be to protect people, not ideals,” he said.

Mr Gill will set out tomorrow, from Mizen Head on the 625km trek and will walk 25km a day, sleeping most nights in a tent on the roadside. He expects to arrive at Ireland's most northerly point of Malin Head in Co Donegal in 25 days’ time.

Along the way there will be public debates and forums for discussion at various venues organised by Atheist Ireland, which is sponsoring the event.

Mr Gill hopes that debate and discussion would encourage the electorate to repeal the law in a referendum later in the year.

The new legislation makes blasphemy a crime punishable with a fine of up to €25,000.

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31 Comments

It's great using quotes, conor.
“Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.” ~ Yoda.
As useful a quote as your persisent, cretinous comments.
Little men always try to look big by inflating their own egos. I understand why there is no capital "c" in conor now.
It is strange that in your consistency in defending aspects of christian faith you continually fail to emulate it's message.
As an alleged student of theology ou get a D-
God says conor must do better.

Posted by Ulysses32 | 05.05.10, 15:51 GMT

Conor

Why would this chap be better off doing it for chairty? He's waking because he believes in his cause and who knows what he does for charity.

This is all about freedom of speech not a debate about mythology.

You also seem to think that atheists think themselves smarter than theists, just because they chose not to believe in a god? But you do the exact opposite.

The idea of not being able to voice your opinion on something as fundamental as religion is unbelieveable.

Posted by James | 05.05.10, 15:07 GMT

Gregory
Are you a complete moron?

This is a freedom of speech issue not a theological discussion. Its the same principle as not being able to voice your opinions on politics or any other aspect of life.

By the way Hitler was Catholic.

Posted by James | 05.05.10, 14:31 GMT

The usual attack on the Republic given the slightest opportunity.

Most everyone in the Republic sees this law as a joke, so grow up lads.

The Times (of London) this very day reports on a clergyman arrested in Cumbria for saying that homosexuality is a sin against God. Not a word about it in the BT - surprise surprise.

Some of you really should get a life.

Posted by Patrick 2 | 05.05.10, 13:48 GMT

Good luck, Paul! Hopefully your demonstration will bring people's minds out of the dark ages and into the 21st century and be appreciated, and the world will become a better place! ^___^

Posted by ThatAtheistChick | 05.05.10, 02:19 GMT

altogether now...ftp.
excellent idea mr. gill.good luck.

Posted by billy | 04.05.10, 23:47 GMT

Blasphemy is to become a crime, yet the Irish government turned a blind eye to years of physical and sexual abuse of children?

You really do have to ask yourself, what is this about and who was behind the legislation because I have not heard anyone in Ireland who supports this.

Posted by Steven73 | 04.05.10, 23:03 GMT

The UK Blasphemy Laws were finally abolished during 2008. They were originally brought in to protect christians mainly the Church of England during a time when people were speaking freely about religion. So the C of E got scared. The Catholic Church in Ireland is obviously scared about something or those laws would not have been introduced, It seems the RC Church STILL RUNS THE SHOW IN THE REPUBLIC.

Posted by Jimmy | 04.05.10, 22:28 GMT

I hope it rain heavily on you. I also hope you will observe how organised religion has lifted up moral values, provided social care where none existed and gave a moral compass to our ancestors long before sarcasm, selfishness & materialism formed the staple diet for Western nations. Look at what atheism contributed via Stalin & Hitler. Or better yet the INLA.

Posted by gregory | 04.05.10, 21:50 GMT

An atheist is going to walk the length of Ireland?

I don't believe it.

Posted by ThierryMcCheat | 04.05.10, 20:23 GMT

Ed- this has nothing to do with The Catholic Church you ignoramus. Go and do some background research

Atheist Ireland- None of those at the agm seemed to have contemplated reality at any depth. But they all
seemed to believe that this rendered
them more intelligent than if they
had. - John Waters

This chap would be better doing the walk for a charity

I'm sure all the intellectual titans commenting here would be annoyed if I made fun of "Ditchens"

Posted by conor | 04.05.10, 19:51 GMT

My hat is off to you Mr Gill! I am behind you 100%!

Posted by P. Crowson

Well done, that is two on the march. At least Paul Gill will not feel lonely. Any idea where the public debates and forums are to be held ? Could I suggest Maam Cross - lots of space for thousands of attendees or maybe Croagh Patrick.

Posted by Michael | 04.05.10, 19:22 GMT

There must be a lunatic loose somewhere in the Republic.Who
ever heard of such rubbish as this law?

Posted by J Penson | 04.05.10, 19:20 GMT

i believe in god mr gill, but also believe so long as it is peaceful ,everyone is intitled to their opinion,anything else is big brother taking over. may true christians look after you.

Posted by w.gould2 | 04.05.10, 17:57 GMT

Exactly how blasphemous do you have to be to be charged under this law? Are all religeons covered or just Roman catholicism?

A test case would be interesting as Judism is the only religeon protected by human rights legislation.

Posted by GodMocker | 04.05.10, 17:56 GMT

OMG I cant believe this law was actually passed - next it will be illegal to say leprechans arent real!
I dont believe in any religion and to think I could be fined for saying that is an absolute joke!
Jeeesus! Catch yer selves on!
Good on ya Paul may the force be with you!

Posted by Pauline | 04.05.10, 17:41 GMT

" Why do all biblethumpers have to talk in their own ancient English language which died out centuries ago?"

Surely the fact that someone used this "ancient English language" in this modern comment column proves that it didn't die out centuries ago.

Apart from the fact that we are dealing here with one little word, ("hath") - If this is an example of the best of atheistic reasoning, then I can see how the rest of the verse can hardly be disputed.

Posted by Colin Maxwell | 04.05.10, 17:17 GMT

Blasphemy laws in Ireland? Ye, gods, has the Republic gone Muslim?

Posted by Jim Guinnessey | 04.05.10, 16:47 GMT

Good man! Is this really the 21st century or has time slipped back? You'd think the Republic's government would have more important (and real) issues to deal with!

Posted by Flying Spaghetti Monster | 04.05.10, 14:54 GMT