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Community => Life As An Atheist => Topic started by: Recusant on May 07, 2017, 10:58:27 PM

Title: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Recusant on May 07, 2017, 10:58:27 PM
Though the UK has effectively done away with its blasphemy laws, they are still on the books in the Republic of Ireland, notwithstanding plans to hold a referendum on them in the near future. Under those laws, Stephen Fry is being investigated for comments he made on RTE (Irish public service) television in 2015. There is a possibility that the person who reported this to the police may actually have been attempting to ensure that should a referendum be held, it would result in the law being struck down.

"Explainer: Why is Stephen Fry being investigated by gardaí for blasphemy and what happens next?" | Independent.ie (http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/explainer-why-is-stephen-fry-being-investigated-by-garda-for-blasphemy-and-what-happens-next-35688328.html)

QuoteIn February 2015, RTE broadcast an interview by Gay Byrne with Mr Fry for 'The Meaning of Life'.

During the show the comedian and writer was questioned about what he might say to God at the "pearly gates".

Mr Fry, an atheist, replied: "How dare you create a world in which there is such misery? It's not our fault? It's not right. It's utterly, utterly evil. Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid god who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?"

He went on to say that if he was met by the Greek gods he would accept them quicker because, "they didn't present themselves as being all seeing, all wise, all beneficent."

He added: "Because the god who created this universe, if it was created by god, is quite clearly a maniac, an utter maniac, totally selfish.

"We have to spend our lives on our knees thanking him. What kind of god would do that?"

[. . .]

That month a member of the public walked into Ennis Garda station in Co Clare where he told gardaí that he wanted to report a crime.

He told Independent.ie: "I told the Garda I wanted to report Fry for uttering blasphemy and RTE for publishing/broadcasting it and that I believed these were criminal offences under the Defamation Act 2009.

"The garda then took a formal written statement from me in which I quoted Fry's comments in detail. This written statement mentioned both Fry and RTÉ specifically."

He said he was asked by the garda if he had been personally offended by the programme and If he wished to include this in the written statement.

"I told the Garda that I did not want to include this as I had not personally been offended by Fry's comments - I added that I simply believed that the comments made by Fry on RTÉ were criminal blasphemy and that  I was doing my civic duty by reporting a crime."

[Continues . . . (http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/explainer-why-is-stephen-fry-being-investigated-by-garda-for-blasphemy-and-what-happens-next-35688328.html)]


Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 07, 2017, 11:09:18 PM
Laws to protect thin-skinned churches and people are so absurd in this day and age. What a way to silence dissenters.  ::)
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Sandra Craft on May 07, 2017, 11:18:23 PM
It looks like Ireland's been taking lessons in "how to embarrass your country in one easy step".
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Davin on May 08, 2017, 04:43:34 PM
Don't hurt god's feelings, he's only all powerful and all knowing, so the god hasn't heard worse and can't do anything about it itself.
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tank on May 08, 2017, 09:07:27 PM
I am so pleased this has happened. I hope it goes all the way to court. I can't wait to hear him shred the prosecution case. Can you imagine it! I'd pay to see that. Wonderful news indeed.
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Dave on May 08, 2017, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: Tank on May 08, 2017, 09:07:27 PM
I am so pleased this has happened. I hope it goes all the way to court. I can't wait to hear him shred the prosecution case. Can you imagine it! I'd pay to see that. Wonderful news indeed.
But all the logic, rationality and eloquence in tbe world may be seen no defence against any bias in the legal system if the culture you are accused offending. Rather there is a chance of being found in contempt.

But I feel sure Mr Fry will find the right words for any sensible judge and jury. Then again . . .
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tank on May 08, 2017, 10:02:20 PM
Quote from: Gloucester on May 08, 2017, 09:50:43 PM
Quote from: Tank on May 08, 2017, 09:07:27 PM
I am so pleased this has happened. I hope it goes all the way to court. I can't wait to hear him shred the prosecution case. Can you imagine it! I'd pay to see that. Wonderful news indeed.
But all the logic, rationality and eloquence in tbe world may be seen no defence against any bias in the legal system if the culture you are accused offending. Rather there is a chance of being found in contempt.

But I feel sure Mr Fry will find the right words for any sensible judge and jury. Then again . . .
I think he'd slaughter them. He could pay a fine out of petty cash and wear the conviction with pride. I bet he can't wait.
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Recusant on May 08, 2017, 11:36:34 PM
I don't think the Irish blasphemy law will be around long. The Irish government has been scratching its ass considering a referendum to eliminate it for years (the Irish Constitution would have to be changed, and that's the process by which it would be done). This ridiculous story may finally light a fire under them.

Meanwhile from The Independent; "Stephen Fry's blasphemy probe dropped after Irish police fail to find 'enough outraged people'" (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/stephen-fry-blasphemy-ireland-probe-investigation-dropped-police-gardai-not-enough-outrage-a7725116.html).
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 09, 2017, 12:45:52 AM
(https://scontent.fpoa4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/18342358_1404018652991589_3166163126221148607_n.jpg?oh=80ac214ff297cc81b829f6ff4f6e55f2&oe=59784D1C)
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tom62 on May 09, 2017, 03:57:17 AM
A pity that he didn't insult Allah. Now that would have generated far more interesting reactions ;).
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tank on May 09, 2017, 06:46:23 AM
Blasphemy = Theistic butt hurt
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Dave on May 09, 2017, 09:09:14 AM
Quote from: Tank on May 09, 2017, 06:46:23 AM
Blasphemy = Theistic butt hurt
I often think most reliogionistas take it as a personal affront, "Mock my beliefs and you mock me!"
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: xSilverPhinx on May 09, 2017, 10:28:07 AM
Or "my beliefs are so vulnerable that they can't stand to be mocked."
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Davin on May 09, 2017, 02:35:28 PM
Well, it looks like the Irish Government might want to keep the law around to bully smaller fish.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/stephen-fry-blasphemy-ireland-probe-investigation-dropped-police-gardai-not-enough-outrage-a7725116.html
QuoteAn Irish police investigation into allegedly blasphemous comments made by Stephen Fry has been dropped after detectives decided there were not enough people who had been outraged by the remarks.
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tank on May 09, 2017, 06:11:25 PM
Quote from: Davin on May 09, 2017, 02:35:28 PM
Well, it looks like the Irish Government might want to keep the law around to bully smaller fish.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/stephen-fry-blasphemy-ireland-probe-investigation-dropped-police-gardai-not-enough-outrage-a7725116.html
QuoteAn Irish police investigation into allegedly blasphemous comments made by Stephen Fry has been dropped after detectives decided there were not enough people who had been outraged by the remarks.
I agree. I hope he blasphemes a lot more!
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Dave on May 09, 2017, 06:34:07 PM
Quote from: Davin on May 09, 2017, 02:35:28 PM
Well, it looks like the Irish Government might want to keep the law around to bully smaller fish.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/stephen-fry-blasphemy-ireland-probe-investigation-dropped-police-gardai-not-enough-outrage-a7725116.html
QuoteAn Irish police investigation into allegedly blasphemous comments made by Stephen Fry has been dropped after detectives decided there were not enough people who had been outraged by the remarks.

But, "smaller fish" could be "fry" . . .
:hooked:

So, could they not find enough good godfearing Irish people to justify an offence? Wonder how hard they looked?

The Irish church is, historically, its own blaspemy.


Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: MariaEvri on May 09, 2017, 06:41:39 PM
oh wow here I thought only GReece was insane like that. Good it was dropped otherwise I guess poor god would have to make a court appearance?
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Dave on May 09, 2017, 08:00:53 PM
Anyone seen Billy Connelly's movie, "The man who sued God"!



Or, if you want the whole thing:

Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Tank on May 09, 2017, 08:03:03 PM
I recall it had some good laughs in it  ;D
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Icarus on May 10, 2017, 02:11:55 AM
Another anecdote. I heard a news report, on NPR, about a ranking public official in Indonesia.  It seems that he has been sentenced to two years in prison for having insulted Islam. He is a Christian in a Muslim society, much to his disadvantage.

Two years in the slammer is preferable to having your head lopped off.
Title: Re: Irish Police Investigating Mr. Fry
Post by: Dave on May 10, 2017, 03:29:18 AM
Quote from: Icarus on May 10, 2017, 02:11:55 AM
Another anecdote. I heard a news report, on NPR, about a ranking public official in Indonesia.  It seems that he has been sentenced to two years in prison for having insulted Islam. He is a Christian in a Muslim society, much to his disadvantage.

Two years in the slammer is preferable to having your head lopped off.
Yes, the govenor of Jakata no less. IIRC even the prosecutors thought the 2 year sentence hardh butvthe baying mob were after more.

Another case where Internet media proved a two edged, even double ended, weapon:

QuoteWhile on a work trip last year, Purnama said political rivals were deceiving people by using a verse in the Koran to say Muslims should not be led by a non-Muslim.

An incorrectly subtitled video of his comments later went viral, helping spark huge demonstrations that ultimately resulted in him being brought to trial.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-indonesia-politics-idUSKBN1842GE

I have heard seversl leading Muslims, including clerics and theologians, ssy that the Q'ran is open to interpretation, there are effectively as many verdiins of Islam as there are Muslims. If so his words were correct, the Q'ran can be interpreted to ssy almidt what they want.

Another case of the misuse of religion in aid of politics.