A TV viewer has issued a complaint alleging that an RTÉ comedy sketch which depicted God as a rapist is blasphemous under the laws in Northern Ireland.
The person this week made the complaint to Crimestoppers in the UK, asking for the matter to be referred to the PSNI to investigate as the programme aired in Northern Ireland and was available to watch on the RTÉ Player there.
Blasphemy is no longer an offence in the Republic, but it remains an offence under common law in Northern Ireland.
However, a PSNI source said they likely have no jurisdiction to investigate the matter.
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2 Joanne McNally, Kevin McGahern and Colin MurphyCredit: Kyran O'Brien
Kevin told the Irish Sun: “My dad didn’t like it and he’s not easily offended. I do like a good bold joke, I like jokes that get people’s feathers ruffled up.
“I suppose I always analyse things from a professor of comedy mind, so it’s actually more an attack on the justice system, and how they give light sentences for f ing horrible crimes.”
The Cavan man went on to joke about the Bible being a one-sided take on the immaculate conception, and - tongue-in-cheek - likened it to only hearing disgraced US comedian Louis CK’s version of the sexual misconduct allegations that were made against him.
The RTÃ Editorial Standards Board has since found the sketch did not comply with the provision in the RTÃ Journalism & Content Guidelines regarding sensitivity to peopleâs religious beliefs.
RTÃ has said the following steps will be taken as a result:
RTÃ will make a voluntary disclosure of non-compliance to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and engage with the authority in this process
RTÃ will request the Editorial Standards Board to review the processes involved in the broadcast and report on same
RTÃ will remove this sketch from the RTÃ Player
RTÃ will carry a public statement and apology, with due prominence, acknowledging this sketch did not meet the standards expected of the national broadcaster.