Ireland Rejects Government’s Attempt to Amend Constitution

The Irish government's referendums to amend Article 41 of the Constitution of Ireland were defeated, with 67% and 74% 'no' votes opposing the family and care referendums, respectively. The family referendum sought to expand the definition of family beyond marriage, while the care referendum aimed to replace outdated language about a mother's duties. Turnout was 44%. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described it as a comprehensive loss. Critics said the government's campaign was lacklustre and confusing. Feminist and progressive groups advocated 'no' votes. The Lawyers For No group criticized the wording. Calls for resignations included the children's minister Roderic O'Gorman, but the ruling coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Greens remained stable. Green party leader Eamon Ryan said no new referendum before the next election.

The Irish government's referendums to amend Article 41 of the Constitution of Ireland were defeated, with 67% and 74% 'no' votes opposing the family and care referendums, respectively. The family referendum sought to expand the definition of family beyond marriage, while the care referendum aimed to replace outdated language about a mother's duties. Turnout was 44%. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described it as a comprehensive loss. Critics said the government's campaign was lacklustre and confusing. Feminist and progressive groups advocated 'no' votes. The Lawyers For No group criticized the wording. Calls for resignations included the children's minister Roderic O'Gorman, but the ruling coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Greens remained stable. Green party leader Eamon Ryan said no new referendum before the next election.

The Irish government's referendums to amend Article 41 of the Constitution of Ireland were defeated, with 67% and 74% 'no' votes opposing the family and care referendums, respectively. The family referendum sought to expand the definition of family beyond marriage, while the care referendum aimed to replace outdated language about a mother's duties. Turnout was 44%. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar described it as a comprehensive loss. Critics said the government's campaign was lacklustre and confusing. Feminist and progressive groups advocated 'no' votes. The Lawyers For No group criticized the wording. Calls for resignations included the children's minister Roderic O'Gorman, but the ruling coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Greens remained stable. Green party leader Eamon Ryan said no new referendum before the next election.

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