Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Atheist Ireland criticises legislation on marriage
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/atheist-ireland-criticises-legislation-on-marriage-1.2686298Legislation governing the solemnisation of marriages is “dysfunctional”, “unworkable” and is bringing civil marriages into disrepute, Atheist Ireland has said.
John Hamill, a member of the organisation, also describes himself as “Pastafarian minister” of a religious body named the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He recently applied to the Registrar General’s office to be recognised as a marriage solemniser. The application was rejected on the grounds that the church did not meet the criteria of a religious organisation.
...
He says it is not up to civil servants to decide what constitutes a religious belief or a religious organisation.
...
“The new Government should legislate to allow the same criteria to be applied to both religious and non-religious citizens with respect to civil marriage, in order to rescue the credibility of the civil marriage process.”
John Hamill, a member of the organisation, also describes himself as “Pastafarian minister” of a religious body named the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He recently applied to the Registrar General’s office to be recognised as a marriage solemniser. The application was rejected on the grounds that the church did not meet the criteria of a religious organisation.
...
He says it is not up to civil servants to decide what constitutes a religious belief or a religious organisation.
...
“The new Government should legislate to allow the same criteria to be applied to both religious and non-religious citizens with respect to civil marriage, in order to rescue the credibility of the civil marriage process.”
Ah, Pastafarianism: the religion that bigots love to hate. Being used once again to help combat the inequality faced by minority religions and non-believers.
