MOVES within the SNP to scrap Scotland's centuries old blasphemy laws are to be welcomed. But what's striking is the need for Scotland's governing party to even have such a debate.

Most people will find it breathtaking that such archaic legislation remains on the statue books. In so many respects Scotland can lay claim to be a progressive and modern European democracy. Legalisation of same sex marriage, the smoking ban, as well as policies such free university tuition and NHS prescriptions, all serve as examples - as does the plan to outlaw smacking.

Yet it's hugely anachronistic that legislation remains in place, that, at least in theory, allows for the prosecution of citizens on the grounds that they insult religion.

Many of Scotland's European neighbours, including Iceland, Norway and Denmark, have already scrapped blasphemy laws. Of course, there will be those who say that bringing forward similar proposals in Scotland would be an unnecessarily exercise that would stoke up needless controversy over a law that has not been invoked since 1843.

Granted, it's unlikely a prosecution will be brought anytime, but the blasphemy investigation faced by comic Stephen Fry in Ireland last year, which was eventually shelved, should provide food for thought, irrespective of whatever cultural and religious difference Scotland has with the Irish Republic.

Blasphemy laws should clearly be scrapped on the basis that religion like politics deserves not just scrutiny, but at times, even mockery - as often satire is the best tool to hold both ideology and those in power to account.