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Ireland's blasphemy laws block release of controversial Scientology Movie
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Ireland's blasphemy laws block release of controversial Scientology Movie

IN A much-heralded release, journalist Louis Theroux's documentary My Scientology Movie is set to be hit cinemas on October 14. 

The documentary is the first of its kind exploring one of the world's most powerful religions.

While it already had a screening at the London Film Festival in 2015, this will be first time people can see it in cinemas.

However there is no release date for Ireland.

Ireland's blasphemy laws under Bunreacht Na hÉireann, the 1937 Constitution, and the Defamation Act 2009, prohibit its distribution in Ireland.

Article 40.6.1.i of 1937 Constitution reads: 

The publication or utterance of blasphemous, seditious, or indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law.

The Defamation Act, 2009, Section 36 states: "A person who publishes or utters blasphemous matter shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable upon conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €25,000."

It also says: "It shall be a defence to proceedings for an offence under this section for the defendant to prove that a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates."

The company in charge of distribution in Ireland and Britain is Altitude Films

According to Irish blasphemy laws, to distribute the film - as it surrounds the Scientology religion - would mean a fine up to €25,000.

However, it is a defence, as set out in Section 36 above, that if distributors can prove there is "genuine" artistic, political or academic value to the documentary, the law may not apply.

However, in a statement issued from Altitude Films, an Irish distribution looks unlikely.

"Altitude Film Distribution currently has no plans for a theatrical release of My Scientology Movie in Ireland," it read, "and has no further comment to make at this time."

Watch the trailer for Louis Theroux: My Scientology Movie below