Proposed legislation may restrict freedoms of expression
A proposed law criminalizing the criticism of religion in Ireland may defy international standards of freedom of speech and indicate a troubling trend toward more state control over religious matters, religious liberty experts say.
Members of the Oireachtas (Parliament) Committee on Justice are considering an amendment to the country's Defamation Bill that will effectively ban "blasphemous libel," making it a fineable offense to publish or utter such speech.
The article would update an older defamation of religion law present in the country's constitution. Such laws, while long "dormant" in Europe, are regaining favor, said John Graz, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty for the Seventh-day Adventist world church.
Earlier this year, the United Nations Human Rights Council passed a resolution on so-called "defamation of religion" laws. While designed to protect religious groups, such laws can backfire against freedom of expression, Graz said.
"Respect and dialogue should be the way to deal with religious issues and calm tensions," he added.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has warned the Irish government that blasphemy law defies international standards of freedom of speech, the Irish Times reported last week.
The OSCE is the world's largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization, with 56 member nations. The agency's duties include upholding principles such as fair elections, press freedom and human rights.