Irish voters reject constitutional amendments on family and women’s roles

In a decisive vote, Ireland has turned down proposed changes to its constitution concerning family structures and women’s duties, marking a profound defeat for the government and posing questions on future reform attempts.
In a significant turn of events, Irish voters have decisively rejected proposed amendments to the constitution aimed at updating provisions related to the family and the role of women, in a double referendum. The results announced show that 67% voted against the family amendment and 74% against the care amendment, with voter turnout at 44%.
The amendments under consideration were designed to modernize the constitution’s language, which is influenced by the Catholic Church and dates back to 1937. They sought to redefine the concept of family beyond the traditional bounds of marriage and to remove outdated references to women’s roles in the home. The defeat of these proposals represents a major setback for the ruling coalition government of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Green Party.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar acknowledged the defeat, indicating that the government had failed to persuade the majority of voters and admitting, “Clearly we got it wrong.” Critics of the proposed changes highlighted issues with the amendments’ wording, suggesting it led to voter confusion and concern over potential unintended consequences.
The results have prompted calls for ministerial resignations and raised questions about the government’s approach to constitutional reform. Despite the setback, Varadkar noted the government’s commitment to continue working towards gender equality and better conditions for carers would persist.
The reaction from other political figures included Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald expressing disappointment over the government’s campaign, and Labour leader Ivana Bacik criticizing the campaign’s effectiveness and choice of wording. Meanwhile, former tanaiste Michael McDowell referenced the rejection as a stand against “unwise social experimentation” with the constitution.
This significant vote underscores the complexities involved in amending the constitution and the necessity for clear communication and consensus-building in future reform efforts. There is no immediate plan for another attempt at amending the constitution before the upcoming election, though the issue may be revisited by the next government.