Blasphemous libel was originally an offense under the common law of England, defined as the publication of material that exposes the Christian religion to scurrility, vilification, ridicule or contempt in a way tending to shock and outrage the feelings of Christians. It remains an offense under the common law of Northern Ireland, but was abolished in England and Wales in 2008 and repealed in Canada in 2018 and New Zealand in 2019; the Republic of Ireland created a differently defined blasphemy offense under its Defamation Act 2009, later removed by constitutional amendment. Various Australian states abolished their own versions of the offense at different times, beginning with Queensland in 1899.
Facts
Typical PenaltyCanada (before 2018 repeal): indictable offense, up to two years imprisonment 1 Elements of OffensePublication of material exposing the Christian religion to scurrility, vilification, ridicule and contempt, tending to shock and outrage the feelings of Christians 1 Classification
Offense GradeMinor or Summary Offense 1 Connections
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Source Blasphemous Libel (Wikipedia)Leadtier 2Quote, Lead
Blasphemous libel was originally an offence under the common law of England.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Blasphemous Libel (Wikipedia)Leadtier 2Quote, Lead
Today, it is an offence under the common law of Northern Ireland, but has been abolished in England and Wales, and repealed in Canada and New Zealand.
Sources
1. Blasphemous Libel (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead paragraph, second sentence, Blasphemous libel
It is a form of criminal libel that consists of the publication of material which exposes the Christian religion to scurrility, vilification, ridicule, and contempt, with material that must have the tendency to shock and outrage the feelings of Christians.
Canada section
Every one who publishes a blasphemous libel is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years
Opening definition, Lead paragraph
publication of material which exposes the Christian religion to scurrility, vilification, ridicule, and contempt
In Group: Blasphemy, Heresy and Religious Offenses, Lead sentence
Blasphemous libel was originally an offence under the common law of England.
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