Blasphemy laws in 2010? Oh yes

This is astounding, especially from a developed country in the year 2010 CE. I picked this up from the Metamagician blog. I'm basically just reposting the information verbatim as Russell did, because it speaks for itself.

The short version is this:

From 1 January 2010, the new Irish blasphemy law becomes operational. Blasphemy is now a crime punishable by a €25,000 fine. The new law defines blasphemy as publishing or uttering matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters...