Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I add my voice to those of my colleagues from the other political parties and the Independent benches in support of Articles 18 and 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They acknowledge the rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech, which comprise some of the basic human rights a person can have. At my party's conference over the weekend, I spoke on true republicanism and on liberty, equality and fraternity. We are fortunate to live in a republic in which one can have freedom of speech and religion. Unfortunately, for many years these were not always tolerated but, thankfully, that no longer is the case.

I support my colleagues on this issue, which we have raised on the anniversary of the horrific murder of the former Pakistani Federal Minister for Minorities. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade should bring forward all possible pressure to ensure Pakistan reforms its blasphemy law. I support this because I consider the recognition of a crime of blasphemy to offend the basic human rights of freedom of religion and speech. I believe all governments have a duty to protect their citizens from violent religious extremists. We are fortunate we do not suffer in this country in that regard and I support my colleagues in urging the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to bring to bear any pressure he can on the Pakistani Government.

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