There may be referendum9 throuple ahead for some
Minister O’gorman clarifies constitutional protections
Equality Minister
THROUPLES and polygamous relationships will not get constitutional protection if a referendum on expanding the definition of a family passes.
Equality Minister Roderic O’gorman made the comments as the debate on the upcoming referendum got underway in the Dail yesterday afternoon.
On March 8, citizens will be asked to vote in several referendums. One focuses on removing a clause in the constitution that implies a woman’s place is in the home. It will also expand the constitutional protection of families to “those in durable relationships”.
When the referendum was announced, Minister O’gorman said the definition of a durable relationship would be decided by a judge.
Independent TD Michael Mcnamara said he believes EU law states that only children of the first marriage are entitled to family reunification, whereas Irish law says all children under 18 are entitled to reunification.
He added: “I just struggle to see how if we’re recognising durable relationships how that’s not going to have an impact on polygamous marriages.”
Minister O’gorman said: “Polygamous relationships have never been recognised under Irish law. A polygamous relationship is not one that represents a fundamental unit of society.”
He added: “The very clear policy intention is that whether it is a polygamous relationship, I have heard the word ‘throuples’ thrown around.
“That issue has come up in some of the debate so we’re very clear such a relationship is not covered with the concept of durability and it is not covered in the expanded concept of the family that we are seeking to protect.”