Sir, – What has the fact that 90 per cent of people in this country identified themselves as “Christian” got to do with the placement of Bibles in polling stations? Some people have been very quick to jump to the conclusion that, because 90 per cent of people in this country identified themselves as Christian, the majority of people in this country are in favour of having Bibles in polling stations. This is a logical fallacy and a sleight of mind, not to mention, ahem, a considerable leap of faith. It’s like saying that because 90 per cent of the country identified themselves as “Christian”, the majority is against same-sex marriage. Didn’t happen, did it? Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t recall there ever being a referendum on the matter.
Let’s not forget that this is a book that describes homosexuality as an abomination (Leviticus 18:22) and prescribes that those who commit such an abomination “shall surely be put to death” (Leviticus 20:13). Copies of this book were placed in polling stations where people were voting on extending the right to marry to same-sex couples. Many Christians obviously reject these injunctions, but one need only look to certain African countries to see the pernicious influence they can have, with tragic consequences for LGBT people. In Uganda, “aggravated homosexuality” is punishable by up to life in prison. Indeed one wonders whether homosexual acts would have been a criminal offence until 1993 in this country had it not been for the Bible and religious teaching.
There is supposed to be separation between church and state in this country. We, the people, voted on amending our Constitution in relation to civil marriage. We were not voting on amending religious doctrine on marriage. So-called holy books, not to mention so-called holy books with harmful teachings, have no place in polling stations. This is not a theocracy. This is a republic. – Yours, etc,
ROB SADLIER,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.
Sir, – I am happy to have a Bible app on my smartphone while I vote and, as mandated by Bunreacht na hÉireann, “to Humbly acknowledge all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ”, proceeding in accordance with Articles 6 and 44, without feeling that I need to pussyfoot around parochial or nihilistic sensibilities. – Yours, etc,
SEAMUS O’CALLAGHAN,
Carlow.
A chara, – Bibles in polling stations are most appropriate as some people could swear on them and others could swear at them. – Is mise,
LOMAN Ó LOINGSIGH,
Dublin 24.