After drawings of the Islamic prophet Muhammad led to killings at French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, a major European nation is facing renewed claims for an end to its own ban on blasphemy.
One article published by the Irish Times newspaper, titled "Why a referendum on blasphemy is long overdue," specifically cites the words of Charlie Hebdo editor Stéphane Charbonnier (a.k.a. “Charb”) as justification for an end to Ireland's blasphemy laws. "Let's repeal our blasphemy law if we really want to honor 'Charlie,' " read a separate op-ed in the Irish Independent.
Meanwhile, an online poll conducted in response to the Paris attacks by news Web site TheJournal.ie found 64 percent in favor of scrapping the laws as quickly as possible. [The Washington Post] Read more
