Leo: Parts of Constitution are sexist & backward...
Varadkar calls for reform over ‘women’s role in home’ clause
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar yesterday described parts of the Constitution as “sexist and backward”.
Referring to the controversial clause that prioritises women’s domestic roles, he slammed it as “insulting and outdated” and called for it to be axed.
Mr Varadkar also told the first International Congress of Parliamentary Women’s Caucuses that females are underrepresented in decision-making structures.
Speaking at Dublin Castle about the clause that refers to a woman’s place in the home, he said: “Despite some of the changes we have made to the Irish Constitution in recent months, many aspects are still sexist and backward.
“I know there are some people who are opposed to changing this, to taking this language out of our Constitution, saying it’s only symbolic. But I think symbols and gestures matter.
“A women’s place is where she wants it to be and our Constitution should say no different.
CONGRESS
“As a government we support a referendum on the role of women at home, [to] remove this outdated and insulting language from our Constitution, without diminishing the good work carers do in society.”
The congress includes diplomats and parliamentarians representing more than 40 countries as well as activists, artists and academics.
The event is discussing issues facing women and how politicians can work to address them.
In his address, Mr Varadkar said 19 females have held ministerial roles in the Irish Government.
He added: “But it’s still far too few and something has to change.
“We need a change in our culture as well as a change in our policies.
“Part of the solution has to be reducing the barriers facing many mothers working outside of the home.”
Meanwhile, Mr Varadkar said the Government will be able to bring in laws over the next few months allowing women to use abortion services early next year.
It comes after a Supreme Court appeal to the vote on terminations was dismissed last week.
We need a change in our culture as well as a change in policies LEO VARADKAR DUBLIN YESTERDAY