( CNN ) -- An Irish atheist group has published a series of quotations on religion in an attempt to challenge a blasphemy law that went into effect on New Year 's Day . The 25 `` blasphemous '' quotations include the words of Jesus , Mohammed , Mark Twain , Salman Rushdie and Bjork . Atheist Ireland published the list on its Web site Friday . It says it aims to challenge the law , which makes blasphemy a crime punishable by a €25,000- ( $ 35,800 ) fine . `` Despite these quotes being abusive and insulting in relation to matters held sacred by various religions , we unreservedly support the right of these people to have published or uttered them , '' the group said on the site . `` We unreservedly support the right of any Irish citizen to make comparable statements about matters held sacred by any religion without fear of being criminalized , and without having to prove to a court that a reasonable person would find any particular value in the statement . '' Lawmakers in staunchly Catholic Ireland passed the law in July , but it came into force January 1 . A person breaks the law by saying or publishing anything `` grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion , thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion . '' Those found guilty of breaking the blasphemy law may try to defend themselves by proving that a reasonable person would find literary , artistic , political , scientific or academic value in what they said or published , the law says . Atheist Ireland called the law `` silly and dangerous , '' because it provides an incentive for religious outrage . `` We believe in the golden rule : that we have a right to be treated justly , and that we have a responsibility to treat other people justly , '' the group said . `` Blasphemy laws are unjust : They silence people in order to protect ideas . In a civilized society , people have a right to to express and to hear ideas about religion even if other people find those ideas to be outrageous . '' The group urged the Irish government to repeal the law . It also asked lawmakers for a referendum on removing all references to God from the Irish constitution .
Law , making blasphemy a crime punishable by a $ 35,800 fine , came into effect January 1 . Atheist group : Law is `` silly and dangerous , '' provides an incentive for religious outrage . " Comment: I'm not sure what you mean about the law being stupid or dangerous?