Ireland re-elects president Michael Higgins for second term, dumps blasphemy law
- Michael Higgins handily won a second term as Ireland’s president
- Voters also overwhelmingly backed removing the offence of blasphemy from the Irish constitution
Ireland has voted to lift a rarely enforced constitutional ban on blasphemy in the latest secular reform for the once staunchly Catholic country, referendum results showed.
The ban was overturned with 65 per cent of voters in favour, following recent votes to allow abortion and same-sex marriage.
“It has always been my view that there is no room for a provision such as this in our constitution. Ireland is rightly proud of our reputation as a modern, liberal society,” Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said.
The referendum coincided with a presidential election which saw incumbent Michael Higgins win a landslide second term – securing a 56 per cent vote share in a race of six candidates.
The 1937 blasphemy provision makes “matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion” punishable by up to €25,000 (US$28,500).
In practice the legislation is largely obsolete and there have been no successful prosecutions since the Irish state was established.