Apparently there is a new blasphemy law that just went into effect on January 1st. in Ireland. Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a $35,800 fine. One can break the law by saying or publishing anything "grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion."
The new law is being challenged by a group of Irish Atheists. The web site - Atheist Ireland just published "25 blasphemous quotations" to challenge the law. Here is quote number 15 from the great George Carlin, 1999:
“Religion easily has the greatest bullshit story ever told. Think about it. Religion has actually convinced people that there’s an invisible man living in the sky who watches everything you do, every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a special list of ten things he does not want you to do. And if you do any of these ten things, he has a special place, full of fire and smoke and burning and torture and anguish, where he will send you to live and suffer and burn and choke and scream and cry forever and ever ’til the end of time! But He loves you. He loves you, and He needs money! He always needs money! He’s all-powerful, all-perfect, all-knowing, and all-wise, somehow just can’t handle money! Religion takes in billions of dollars, they pay no taxes, and they always need a little more. Now, talk about a good bullshit story. Holy Shit!”
Here is more information on the law and its detractors from CNNWorld and The Washington Post.
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