Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Oh Good Lord
Without fanfare, the blasphemy law finally expired in 'England-and-Wales' on 8 July when section 79 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 came into force.
I forgot all about this and had to be reminded by a New Zealander.
Now can someone update - is Blasphemy still on the books in Scotland? I would be amazed if it isn't still around in Northern Ireland...
I forgot all about this and had to be reminded by a New Zealander.
Now can someone update - is Blasphemy still on the books in Scotland? I would be amazed if it isn't still around in Northern Ireland...
Labels: blasphemy, law, religions
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Blasphemy is still an offence in Scotland, but there has been no prosecution since 1843. This is thought to be because it is more difficult to bring a private prosecution in Scotland, as you have to prove that you are personally affected by the crime.
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# posted by 
: 3:05 pm, July 10, 2008
: 3:05 pm, July 10, 2008Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Religion and the Law - secular questions for the party?
Now then, following the various strong secularist words inspired by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s recent remarks, do we have a problem with people seeking candidate approval if they have a religious background?
Let’s for example take the Quakers. Individual Quakers have been known to break the law as a matter of religious conscience in the past, and others may do so in the future.
The Religious Society of Friends offers its members the ‘Advices and Queries’ for their comfort and discomfort. This is what A&Q 34 and 35 say:
Are Quakers too dangerously religious to be accepted as LibDem representatives?
Let’s for example take the Quakers. Individual Quakers have been known to break the law as a matter of religious conscience in the past, and others may do so in the future.
The Religious Society of Friends offers its members the ‘Advices and Queries’ for their comfort and discomfort. This is what A&Q 34 and 35 say:
34 Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national, and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may demand.
35 Respect the laws of the state but let your first loyalty be to God's purposes. If you feel impelled by strong conviction to break the law, search your conscience deeply. Ask your meeting for the prayerful support which will give you strength as a right way becomes clear.
Are Quakers too dangerously religious to be accepted as LibDem representatives?
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