Press release
Minister Flanagan welcomes Yes vote in Blasphemy Referendum
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, has welcomed the result of today’s count in the referendum on blasphemy. The government’s proposal to remove the word ‘blasphemous’ from Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution was approved by 65% in the vote.
Minister Flanagan said:
"I would like to thank all those who voted Yes in this weekend’s referendum. 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. The world has watched in recent years as we have taken landmark decisions as a people to change our Constitution with regard to some of the deepest personal matters when we voted Yes to Marriage Equality and to repealing the Eighth Amendment.
"While today’s result may not have the same personal resonance to the same number of people, it is none the less another significant step in our Constitutional history. By taking this decision, we have again sent a message to the world, a strong message that laws against blasphemy do not reflect Irish values and that we do not believe such laws should exist. I thank and commend the Irish people for this decision."
In addition to the removal of the word ‘blasphemous’ from Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution, the Minister will now also move to repeal sections 36 and 37 of the Defamation Act 2009.
ENDS