Ireland's new blasphemy law labeled return to Middle Ages

23.08.09, Peter O'Neil, for CALGARY HERALD (CA). The Irish government plans to bring into force a new law in October that critics say is a return to medieval justice. The legislation, aimed at providing judges with clear direction on the 1937 Constitution's blasphemy prohibition, imposes a fine of up to 25,000 euros - about $39,000 - for anyone who "publishes or utters matter that is (intentionally meant to be) 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." Police with a search warrant will be able to enter private premises and use "reasonable force" to obtain incriminating evidence.