Sir, – Claims that the Bible is on open display in polling stations because Ireland is 90 per cent Christian is to claim a religious privilege that is not guaranteed anywhere in the Constitution. Bibles are there because of a religious tradition which now discriminates against a large section of Irish citizens that are not Christian.
I emailed the Department of the Environment days before the election asking them to reconsider the placement of Bibles on tables in polling stations. During the campaign the Bible was often cited by certain sections of the No campaign as a reason to vote against marriage equality. My concern was that if people were still making up their minds as they went to vote then seeing the Bible upon the table as they collected their voting papers could unduly influence their decision.
This goes against spirit of the Electoral Act of 1992, Section 147, which has very strict rules, including the following where it is an offence to “attempt to induce, by any means whatsoever, an elector to vote for a candidate or candidates or vote in a particular way or refrain from voting”.
The Bible has no place being on open display where people are exercising their democratic right to vote. If we are all equal citizens then we should all need valid ID in order to do so. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN PERRY,
Dublin 15.
A chara, – Interesting to note that only a few days after the referendum that is being hailed as a victory for acceptance and inclusiveness, the sacred scriptures that are the basis of the Christian faith of the majority of people in this land are being set at the same level as campaign posters, placards, and badges, declared a "vile coercion", and castigated as something not needed "in this day and age" in a polling station (May 25th); and forgive me if I am in error, but all this rather gives the strong impression that the writer doesn't think the Bible has any place anywhere else in our society these days either.
As I said, all this only a few days after the referendum. I wonder what the weeks and months ahead will bring? – Is mise,
Rev PATRICK G BURKE,
Castlecomer,
Co Kilkenny.
Sir, – Surely the answer to the problems highlighted by some readers concerning Bibles in polling stations would be to have a Bible available if the necessity arises to use one but to keep it where it is not on public view where it can cause offence to some members of the public. – Yours, etc,
ANNA GRAHAM,
Balbriggan,
Co Dublin.
A chara, – Now that the euphoria of Friday’s Yes vote has subsided (I was a No voter), the lead-up to which was emphasised as equality for all, I’m wondering if it is fair to voters who cast their votes in schools to be confronted by very obvious displays of denominational religious fervour inside the main door? If such displays are an example of equality for all, there’s a contradiction somewhere. – Is mise,
BRIAN Mac a’BHAIRD,
Carraig Mhachaire Rois,
Co Mhuineacháin.
Sir, – To be even-handed, shouldn't we also have the Koran, Hindu and Buddhist sacred texts and, for me at least, Darwin's Origin of Species? – Yours, etc,
GARRY OWENS,
Skerries,
Co Dublin.