Bacik backs Yes votes in referendums as a ‘step forward’ for the country
LABOUR leader Ivana Bacik has said the proposed constitutional changes on the definition of the family and acknowledging carers would represent a ‘step forward’ on the current wording.
She said that despite being disappointed with the two amendments initially, the party believes they represent ‘a real step forward towards a more contemporary text, towards a more fair Ireland and towards a more inclusive and more equal society’.
Ms Bacik said her party would continue to push for better supports for carers.
She added: ‘We see this as calling for a “Yes, Yes, And” – we want to continue to campaign beyond the referendum on better supports for care in particular.’
Senator Marie Sherlock, Labour’s director of elections, said the party feels ‘very passionately’ about broadening the Constitution’s definition of the family beyond the current ‘very restrictive’ definition based on marriage.
She said that although the party views the care amendment as ‘a missed opportunity’, there was a need to recognise 30,000 people who are doing care work in the family home.
Two referendums will be held on March 8 – International Women’s Day – proposing to change the Irish Constitution.
One, the family amendment, proposes amending Article 41 of the Constitution to extend the meaning of family beyond one defined by marriage and include those based on ‘durable’ relationships.
The second, the care amendment, proposes deleting Article 41.2.1 and 41.2.2, which make reference to a woman’s role and duties in the home, and replace it with a new article – 42B – that acknowledges family carers.
The Government parties, Labour, the Social Democrats, the National Women’s Council, One Family and Treoir are all advocating for a Yes vote in both referenda.
TD Peadar Tóibín’s Aontú party and Senator Ronan Mullen are among those advocating for a No vote in both plebiscites.
Some organisations, such as Free Legal Advice Centres (Flac), are advocating for a Yes vote in one and a No vote in the other.
Ms Bacik said: ‘Many people will have criticisms, but ultimately, we have to choose.’
‘Ultimately, we have to choose’