OPINION: Say ‘Yes, Yes’ to equality

Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Constitution of Ireland, was voted on and passed by the Irish people on July 1, 1937, and came into effect some months later, on December 29. It is the fundamental law in our country and the cornerstone of our democracy.
To date, there have been a total of 38 Constitutional Referendums, of which 32 resulted in amendments to the Constitution. Each referendum offers us an opportunity to modernise the Constitution so it reflects who we are and the values we hold as a country. Our country has adapted to become a more inclusive, equal society, and it is vital that the Constitution, a living document, is updated to reflect this.
We are being asked to vote in two referendums on March 8. The first of the referendums revolves around Article 41, to provide a wider concept of family, beyond just the marital family. The definition of family is much more than what the Constitution affords it, which right now only includes married couples. The families that we know come in diverse forms – including single-parent households, grandparents raising grandchildren and couples who live together – are committed to their relationship but are not married to each other.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently outlined that 1 million people are currently not recognised by the current text in the Irish Constitution. Voting ‘Yes’ on March 8 to the amendment on Article 41.1 will reaffirm the family as the fundamental unit of society in a way that recognises families beyond those based on marriage. All families deserve to be protected in our country’s constitution.
The second referendum, which is focused on care, has created the most conversation and confusion.
The current wording of Article 41.2 in the Constitution includes: “The State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.”
The proposal before us on March 8 is to delete Article 41.2 from the Constitution and insert new wording, titled Article 42B: “The State recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to Society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision.”
This new wording will finally acknowledge the invaluable care and assistance provided by all family members. Ultimately, this amendment would recognise the significance of care work and eliminate the outdated and stereotypical language referring to ‘her life within the home’. It promotes a more inclusive and fair society where all contributions are valued equally. By eliminating gender-biased norms and language from our law, we are bringing the Constitution more in line with the contemporary realities of Ireland.

Fake v fact
As with any campaign or election, we must be able to distinguish fact from fiction as we discuss these referendums. There is a narrative being shared that the proposed amendments seek to ‘devalue the family unit’ or that we are ‘removing women from the home’. Both of these claims are untrue.
In relation to the first referendum, let me be clear that nothing will change for families already recognised under the Constitution. These changes are about extending the protections to families based on other types of relationships. It will not erode anyone’s protections or the value of the family unit.
The Constitution describes the concept of a family as ‘the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society’ and ‘the necessary basis of social order’ and as ‘indispensable to the welfare of the Nation and the State’. These definitions will not be changed and will remain the key guidance that will be used by our judicial system.
The second referendum is not about removing women from the home. At the time the Constitution was drafted, women did not generally work outside the home in significant numbers. Things have changed over the years, and all the Government is asking people to do is recognise the choice that couples now have and that both men and women have the option to care for their families. A woman’s place is where she wants it to be.
Finally, let me voice the urgency for people to vote on March 8. Ireland has transformed dramatically since 1937, and a #YesYes vote would further acknowledge this growth. As we build to March 8 – which is quickly followed by Local and European elections in June – this is a time of great urgency to have your voice heard and vote count. Make it count!

Maria Walsh is a Fine Gael MEP for the Midlands-Northwest constituency.