Part 5Criminal law

Blasphemy

79Abolition of common law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel

1

The offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel under the common law of England and Wales are abolished.

2

In section 1 of the Criminal Libel Act 1819 (60 Geo. 3 & 1 Geo. 4 c. 8) (orders for seizure of copies of blasphemous or seditious libel) the words “any blasphemous libel, or” are omitted.

3

In sections 3 and 4 of the Law of Libel Amendment Act 1888 (c. 64) (privileged matters) the words “blasphemous or” are omitted.

4

Subsections (2) and (3) (and the related repeals in Schedule 28) extend to England and Wales only.