Referendum on blasphemy welcomed - van der Spek

Cavan Labour Party Local Area Representative Liam van der Spek has welcomed the government’s proposal to hold a referendum on blasphemy later this year.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, he said:

 

New Ireland
Mr van der Spek said that Ireland should be striving to be secular - welcoming all faiths and none.

"While the practical implications of such a change may be minimal, the symbolic aspect is incredibly relevant when this island’s history is plagued with religious division.
“If the prospect of a united Ireland is to occur, which I believe is likely in my lifetime, then that is all the more reason to ensure that those of all religious backgrounds and traditions are held in the same regard by the state," continued the Labour party candidate.

Private matter
“Religious belief or lack of is a private matter, and the state should not discriminate against or unfairly favour any one belief over another.
“Other minor relics of our past should similarly be expanded to be inclusive of every Irish citizen, such as exclusionary religious oaths of office.
“We should also assess the situation in education where the overwhelming majority of public schools currently reside under religious patronage. The citizen’s assembly may be the place to do that as suggested by Labour Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin."