An international group of atheists and secularists including the scientists Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker has challenged the Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, to hold a referendum to repeal IrelandÔÇÖs 21st century blasphemy law.
Ahead of an historic first meeting between a taoiseach and Irish atheists in Dublin on Tuesday, the group told Kenny that it was his ÔÇ£duty to protect a strong position on behalf of those intimidated in Ireland and, more importantly, on behalf of those facing execution by nations who cite Irish blasphemy laws in justification and mitigation of their behaviour.ÔÇØ
The blasphemy law was introduced in July 2009 by the then Fianna F├íil-led government. Breach of the law is punishable with a fine of up to Ôé¼25,000 (┬ú19,000).