Ireland has voted against proposed amendments to change the Constitution, which would have eliminated the “woman in the home” clause and broadened the definition of family.
In a decisive result, 67% of voters rejected the proposed family amendments, while 73% opposed the proposed changes to care. The official announcement was made by Referendum returning officer Barry Ryan at Dublin Castle on Saturday evening.
“Ireland Rejects Proposed Constitutional Changes, Deals Embarrassing Defeat to Government”
The voter turnout for the referenda was 44.36 per cent, notably lower than the 64 per cent turnout seen in the abortion referendum in 2018. The significant number of votes against the proposed amendments signalled an embarrassing setback for the Government.
Speaking at Dublin Castle, Prime Minister Leo Varadkar acknowledged the defeat, stating, “I think it’s clear at this stage that the family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated, defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout.
Roderic O’Gorman accepted the Government had not persuaded people to vote yes-yes (Damien Storan/PA)
The Government accepts the results and will respect it fully.” Varadkar took responsibility for the outcome, admitting that the Government failed to convince most people to vote in favour of the proposed changes.
Varadkar acknowledged the Government’s missteps, stating, “I think Enda Kenny (former Taoiseach) famously said once that the electorate often gives the Government a wallop – this is two wallops. Well, look, clearly, we got it wrong.”
The result of the referendums on family and care is clear.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 9, 2024
The majority were not persuaded by the arguments for changing the Constitution in this way.
It is a core strength of our Constitution that the people have the final say. We fully respect their decision. (1/3)
Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman has agreed with Varadkar’s views, acknowledging that the Government was unsuccessful in convincing the public to support the proposed constitutional amendments.
O’Gorman stressed the Government’s responsibility to present its case effectively, adding that it erroneously interpreted the issues raised during the campaign.
Despite the setback, the Government remains committed to promoting gender equality, improving conditions for carers, and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, according to O’Gorman.
