Stephen Fry To Be Investigated For Blasphemy

The viewer was not said to be offended himself but believed Fry's comments qualified as blasphemy under the law, which carries a maximum penalty of a fine of 25,000 euros (£22,000).

The law prohibits people from publishing or uttering "matter that is 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 government said at the time it was needed because the republic's 1937 constitution gives only Christians legal protection of their beliefs.
'Absolutely astonished'
Fry's representatives have been contacted for a comment.
Speaking to the BBC in 2015, Fry said he had been "absolutely astonished" by some of the reaction on social media to what he had said on the show.
He said: "I don't think I mentioned once any particular religion and I certainly didn't intend, and in fact I know I didn't say anything offensive towards any particular religion."
A police spokeswoman told the BBC: "We are not commenting on an ongoing investigation."

A bit more info.

a reply to: Raggedyman

No point telling others how to act in their own country Poor Mr Fry, left his manners at home and may pay for it

He was asked a question and he answered it , it is his personal opinion.

a reply to: Chadwickus

I am so sick and tired of the PC police and their spineless feelings....

At least the initial indication is that this will not go anywhere.

a reply to: uncommitted
Your right and wrong! In Christianity they just call god god. BBBUUUTTT in Judaism their god is called Yahweh, among others.In Islam their god is called Allah. So really it's in the semantics.
Even though they say it's the same god they treat other gods as not theirs. So if you did say offensive words about god to a Jew or a Muslim the would say "it's not their god because their god is above all others".
Now if you were to insult their named god personally expect the fireworks.

originally posted by: CulturalResilience
a reply to: Chadwickus

It would be a very different story if he had said that very same thing about a certain other religions deity.

The Abrahamic religions share the same deity, just not the alleged prophets.
Did you not know that?

a reply to: Chadwickus

I'm picturing your title written on parchment from the 13th century, nailed to a tree, because that's the regression I'm feeling having just read an article about feelings about God and how people cope with those feelings.

Sad.

a reply to: Sublimecraft

It's Ireland so doesn't surprise me, they have a bit of catching up to do when it comes to religion influencing legislation.
They're getting there slowly, bless 'em.

This is why religion should never have any power boys and girls!

originally posted by: gortex
a reply to: Raggedyman

No point telling others how to act in their own country Poor Mr Fry, left his manners at home and may pay for it

He was asked a question and he answered it , it is his personal opinion.

Yeah he did
But, he did elaborate the point

As I said, I don't think the laws are just, however, he broke them
I have suffered unjust and stupid laws as well

What do you want me to say
All Irish people are stupid?
All Irish laws are stupid?
Stop Irish laws?

Stop stupid mouthy people going to Ireland and being stupid and arrogant
He didn't say what he said not expecting a reaction, he clearly thought it through and went for maximum impact

Fry broke the law, let those who administer it administer the law as they are chosen by the Irish to do

You do know Protestants and Catholics have been slaughtering each other for a few centuries, Fry was stupid, going to a country with sectarian violence and unrest acting so tough. Dummy

a reply to: Raggedyman

Meh, I'd bet all my money he won't be charged, it'll just be quietly dropped in a few weeks.
And good luck to Fry, he wouldn't face jail time if it did end up in court, that would be absolutely ridiculous, and for sure he can cover the fine.

I also suspect he'd enjoy his day in court.

a reply to: Chadwickus

I thought Stephens response to the same question when posed by a Saudi interviewer was witty though , motionless and silent though it was.

originally posted by: hutch622
a reply to: Chadwickus

In order for it to be blasphemous wouldn't you first have to prove that god existed .

Blasphemy!!!

I think we have a blasphemy law in the UK too, just more watered down then the one in the Republic.

High time they were struck off the books imo.

They need to all be removed from the books. Otherwise this is the return to dark ages and people have to slam dunk this and their public servants into the ditches.

Sounds fantastic.

I fully expect Fry to make absolute mincemeat of the prosecution. I hope they film the proceedings, I'd pay money for a recording.

a reply to: Unresponsible

I was thinking the same, his defence would be entertainment gold.
Does anyone know if Irish criminal courts allow cameras?

a reply to: SprocketUK

Ours only really relate to incitement to hatred, but we also have the catch all crime of using threatening, abusive, and insulting words or behaviour under the public order act.
Free speech is subjective in UK depending on who takes offence.

a reply to: Chadwickus

Huh?? They can do that?? …wait is there an official state religion or something,

originally posted by: grainofsand
a reply to: SprocketUK

Ours only really relate to incitement to hatred, but we also have the catch all crime of using threatening, abusive, and insulting words or behaviour under the public order act.
Free speech is subjective in UK depending on who takes offence.

Quite right, I had missed this from 2008

In March 2008, peers voted for the laws to be abandoned. On May 8, 2008, the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 abolished the common-law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel in England and Wales, with effect from 8 July 2008.

a reply to: SprocketUK

And isn't it crazy that Ireland created the blasphemy law in the OP the year after the UK abolished its own.
Ireland is backwards generally with religion and legislation, abortion for another example with thousands of women having to get it done on mainland Britain every year.