Blasphemy referendum to come - but no date yet
The Cabinet has signed off on a plan to hold a referendum to remove the offence of blasphemy from the constitution – but it is unclear when the vote will take place.
The coalition has already committed to three referendums next year: reducing the voting age, marriage equality, and reducing the age of candidacy for the Presidency.
Equality Minister Aodhán O'Riordáin says further work is needed on replacing the blasphemy offence with a new provision prohibiting incitement to religious hatred.
"The Minister for Justice … has been charged by the Government with the task of further examining these issues and undertaking the work necessary to prepare a referendum bill, and the bill to amend the current legislative provision for the offence of blasphemy," he said.
"In relation to timing, the referendum will take place at an appropriate date to be decided by Government."
