Ireland lifts blasphemy ban after president's win

DUBLIN - Ireland has voted to lift a rarely enforced constitutional ban on blasphemy in the latest secular reform for the once staunchly Catholic country, referendum results showed on Saturday.

The ban was overturned with 65 percent of voters in favor, following recent votes to allow abortion and samesex marriage.

"It has always been my view that there is no room for a provision such as this in our constitution. Ireland is rightly proud of our reputation as a modern, liberal society," Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said.