On March 8, citizens will be asked to vote on two constitutional amendments focused on the definition of family, home care, and reference to women and mothers.
Unlike recent referendums such as the vote to introduce marriage equality, the changes proposed in these referendums are likely to be more subtle.
Yes, campaigners have been calling for archaic and sexist language to be removed from Bunreach na Heirian for years. However, some say the language proposed by the government is not strong enough.
Those on the “No” side believe that the current constitution recognizes the unique role of women and do not agree that the special link between marriage and family should be removed.
Citizens will be asked to vote in two referendums.
The first referendum concerns the concept of family in the constitution.
The second referendum proposes to remove existing sections of the constitution that refer to women and mothers and insert new articles recognizing the care that families provide to each other.
People are therefore now able to cast two separate votes, and in fact some politicians and campaigners have encouraged people to vote yes on one question and against the other. I am claiming.
The Citizens’ Conference on Gender Equality recommended that Article 40(1) of the Constitution be amended to explicitly mention gender equality and non-discrimination.
The group also recommended that the constitution should be changed to protect family life for all and not limit it to married couples.
Additionally, remove article 41(2), which refers to women in the household, and replace it with gender-neutral language, requiring States to take reasonable steps to support care within the household and wider community. He recommended that.
The government has not directly followed up on these recommendations after receiving legal advice that explicitly mentioning gender equality and non-discrimination could actually have negative consequences. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, citing gender equality, said: “The current constitution’s comprehensive commitment to equality could be weakened.”
The first question concerns Articles 41(1)(1) and 41(3)(1) of the Constitution, both of which relate to the family. To distinguish between both referendums, people vote on white ballots.
Article 41.1.1 currently provides: “The State recognizes the family as the natural and fundamental unit group of society, with inalienable and inalienable rights, and as a moral institution superior to all positive law.”
Activists say the regulations fail to recognize the many families that exist in Ireland today, including single-parent households, those who are in a relationship but not married, grandparents and carers raising children. .
It is proposed that this boundary be changed to recognize families “whether or not based on marriage or other permanent relationships.”
The second part of this question relates to Article 41.3.1, which currently reads as follows: “The nation pledges to protect with special care the institution of marriage, the foundation of the family, and to protect it from attack.”
It is proposed to simply change this sentence to the following: “The State pledges to protect the institution of marriage with special care and to defend it against attack.”
Voters will be given a second green ballot addressing the second issue of care. This referendum proposes to delete the current Articles 41.2.1° and 41.2.2° and insert a new Article 42B.
These sections now recognize that “women provide support to the state by their domestic life, without which the common good cannot be achieved.” This section of the Constitution continues: “The State, therefore, shall endeavor to ensure that mothers are not forced by economic necessity to neglect their domestic duties and engage in labor.”
If voted yes, this reference to a mother’s “domestic duties” will be removed and a new line introduced in its place:
“States recognize that, because of the bonds that exist between families, the mutual consideration of family members provides society with support without which the common good cannot be achieved, We shall endeavor to support the provision of such services.”
Almost all political parties, including Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, the Greens and Sinn Féin, are in favor of a referendum, although some parties, such as Labor, say they want to go further with reforms.
Yes-side organizations include the National Council of Women; Family Carers Ireland; Treoir, an organization that supports children and families; Union of Students of Ireland (USI). Single Parents Acting for Children’s Rights (SPARK)
Mr Pedar Tobin’s Aontu party is campaigning for a no vote with the Iona Institute. Irish Liberal Party. and the Christian Solidarity Party.
A number of politicians and organizations have raised questions about the proposed changes.
People Before Profit TD Brid Smith said her party would reluctantly vote in favor in future votes, but the amendments included firm commitments for women, children and men who are carers at home. criticized the fact that it was not substantiated. and the wider community.
Rhys Seán Comhairle Catherine Connolly argues that the essence behind mothers not having “an obligation to ignore their domestic duties and engage in labor out of economic necessity” is not only retained, but is instead We believe they could have modernized to give this protection to all caregivers.
Applications to register to vote or change details must be received by local authorities by tomorrow, February 20th at the latest.
There is no need to carry your voting card with you when you go to vote. However, you must bring a valid identification document, such as a passport, driver’s license, public service card, or employee or student ID card with photo.