Ireland's media watchdog has upheld eight complaints against RTE after the state broadcaster aired a satirical sketch news show on new years eve that suggested God was involved in rape.
RTE was inundated with complaints following the airing of the show after a mock news report alleged that god was accused of sexual harassment and sentenced for rape.
The original clip was part of a Waterford Whispers report which showed God being led away in handcuffs.
Many complainants believe it mocked their Catholic faith.
One wrote that she found the sketch to be "offensive in the extreme and it appeared to be an intentional and targeted insult directed at a group of people who hold Christian beliefs".
She went on to say that "if this had targeted another group in society like black, Muslim, Jewish and Hindu people or members of the Traveller and LGBT communities, there would have been a stampede to the airwaves to condemn it".
Another complainant questioned whether RTE "would be as quick to insult Islam."
RTE has issued a public apology and reported itself to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland following the raft of complaints after it originally aired.
The original clip showed a man with long white hair protesting as he's led away by gardai while the former RTE news anchor, Aenghus Mac Grianna said "five millionth-year old impregnated a young Middle Eastern girl against her will".
God was sentenced to two years in prison with "the final 24 months suspended," Mac Grianna reported.
Mac Grianna later apologised saying he was "deeply sorry for the offence, distress and hurt caused."
The national broadcaster took the decision to remove the sketch from the RTE player and broadcast an apology on RTE News at Nine.
Get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
