WHAT ARE VOTERS BEING ASKED TO DECIDE ON?
One: To widen the definition of The Family to include “other durable relationships” not just those founded on marriage.
Two: To remove references to the caring role of the woman in the home and instead provide an ungendered definition of the caring roles within the family unit.
WHEN IS THE VOTE?
Friday, March 8th
WHO CAN VOTE?
Irish Citizens who are Ordinarily Resident in Ireland, Registered to Vote (www.check the register.ie), and 18 or older on the day of voting. Online Registration to Vote closes on February 20th
I HAVE A DISABILITY/MENTAL HEALTH DIFFICULTY AND CAN’T TRAVEL TO THE POLLING STATION
Electors with an illness or disability, resident in a hospital, mental health facility, nursing home or similar institution, and who are included in the Special Voters list, may vote at their hospital, nursing home or similar institution where they live. Ballot papers are delivered to them.
Postal voting is now available to persons with mental health difficulties who have difficulty accessing a polling station.
However, registration for Postal Voting and the Special Voters list is now closed.
WHEN WILL WE KNOW THE RESULTS?
Votes will be counted the day after voting and a provisional result will be published.
WHAT IS A ‘DURABLE RELATIONSHIP’?
We don’t know! This has left many people confused about whether it will include them. Members of Government will decide which relationships (in policy and legislation) are sufficiently durable. Some TDs have already suggested that polyamory and throuples won’t be included under the scope of a durable relationship which has caused upset for many in the community.
WILL ANYTHING CHANGE FOR SAME SEX MARRIAGES?
No. The proposed changes to the constitution will have no effect on those in same sex marriages.
WHAT ABOUT IMMIGRATION LAW?
The Government has stated that the proposed changes will have no legal impact on immigration or international protection law. However, the changes may be referenced to and raised by people in court.
DEBUNKING SOME COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Women will still have the right to remain in the family home in a caring capacity.
The proposed changes will not erase all references to women from the Irish Constitution.
Married couples will not lose any of their rights.
WHERE DOES OUTHOUSE STAND ON THE VOTE?
Outhouse supports the YES YES vote. While the proposed changes aren’t perfect Outhouse welcomes the proposed changes to the constitution as a step in the right direction towards gender equity.
Why vote YesYes
Every single one of us knows someone or are themselves directly affected by the issues we vote on this March.
- In Ireland today, 40% of children are being born to parents who are not married to each other and
they need to be recognised and protected in our Constitution - All families should have the same rights and benefits, regardless of their marriage status.
- All of us will give and receive care. It’s time to give both women and men the recognition they
deserve as family carers - Constitutional recognition of the State’s role to support care in the family amplifies the need to
support disabled people and the supports they need such as Personal Assistance - A woman’s place is wherever she wants it to be. It’s time to remove sexist language from our
Constitution
A strong YesYes on the 8th of March builds momentum to advance equality for all children and families as well as giving a mandate to the State to value and resource care both inside and outside of the home. It also removes outdated language about women that has no place in our states founding document.
FIND OUT MORE:
https://www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/
https://www.checktheregister.ie/en-IE/
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/elections-and-referenda/voting/voting-in-a-referendum/
