A number of groups have welcomed what they say is a 'Yes' vote in the blasphemy referendum.

Amnesty International says this is "significant for freedom of expression in Ireland and around the world."

Exit polls suggest people have voted by a decisive majority to remove the crime of blasphemy from the Constitution.

They suggest the referendum will pass comfortably - with some 68% voting to remove the article.

Source: The Irish Times/Ipsos MBRI

Executive director of Amnesty International Ireland is Colm O'Gorman.

"While we await the final figures from the national wide count, it is clear at this stage that the Yes side have carried the day.

"Today's vote is another important step towards a human rights compliant Constitution.

"It follows the massive support for the constitutional referenda allowing marriage equality and ending the abortion ban.

"People in Ireland have shown yet again that they value human rights and freedoms".

Amnesty International Ireland executive director Colm O'Gorman speaking to the media on Dublin's Moore Street | Image: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA Images

He added: "Blasphemy laws like Ireland's violate freedom of expression.

"At a time when this freedom is under attack around the world, this referendum matters even more.

"Now, states like Pakistan can no longer justify their own severe anti-blasphemy laws by pointing to Ireland's Constitution.

"This referendum outcome does not make people's freedom of religion or belief less protected.

"The Government must still ensure that everyone can manifest and practise their religion without discrimination or threat.

"We also need to have robust prohibition of inciting hatred on religious and other grounds, in law and practice."

'Significant hurdles to be overcome'

 The Humanist Association of Ireland has also welcomed the projected Yes vote.

CEO Noeleen Hartigan said: "Today's referendum results represent another significant milestone for Ireland in becoming a modern, secular and more compassionate society.

"However, there are still several significant hurdles to be overcome before the non-religious can fully participate in Irish society without discrimination.

"On Monday morning thousands of children from non-religious families will attend Roman Catholic schools because their parents, as taxpayers, have no other option.

"While the lifting of the baptismal barrier is welcome, real reform in terms of delivering non-denominational education, as opposed to simply not excluding children based on faith, needs to follow.

"On Tuesday our elected parliamentarians will say Christian prayers in the Dáil and Seanad before they begin their working day on our behalf.

"Yet 10% of the adult population identify themselves as being non-religious."

"On November 11th, our President, who is elected by all people, not just those of faith, will swear a constitutionally prescribed declaration to God during the inauguration.

"Ireland has a unique, rich and increasingly diverse culture, some of this culture is informed by the dominant faiths of the past.

"But our past should not prescribe our future, and the laws and practices which give one faith system dominance over people's lives must be dismantled."

The referendum on the Thirty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution was on deleting the wording "blasphemous" from Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution.

Article 40.6.1 says the "utterance or publication of blasphemous … matter" must be a criminal offence, with a possible fine of €25,000.

The Law Reform Commission reviewed this in 1991, and concluded that "there is no place for an offence of blasphemous libel in a society which respects freedom of speech".