The Family and Care referendums - What exactly are they about?

On March 8, people of Donegal will join other Irish citizens in going to the polls for two referendums.

But what exactly are these referendums about, and what will they change for the average person here in Donegal?

The first referendum is on The Family Amendment. 

A Yes vote leading to a change to the wording of the constitution would mean that protection would be afforded to different types of family units, and not just those founded on marriage. Marriage will continue to be recognised as an institution that the state must guard with special care and protect against attack. 

A No vote will mean that special constitutional protection would only be given to family units based on marriage.

The second referendum is The Care Amendment. 

A Yes vote would remove one article and change another. One relates to the work of women in the home, and the other to mothers not being obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home. New wording would be inserted, recognising the common good of the care provided by family members to each other. It would also include words saying the state would strive to support the provision of such care within families.

A No vote would mean that the state would continue to recognise the importance to the common good of women within the home. It would also require the state to endeavour to ensure that mothers should not have to go out to work to the neglect of duties in the home. 

Those campaigning for Yes votes say these are necessary steps towards full equality, offering protection to families of all kinds, including single parent families and same sex parents. 

Among the No campaigners, some claim this is a step too far while others believe it doesn’t go far enough. 

Campaigning has been quite low key in Donegal.

The best advice is to read the referendum booklet that has been delivered to homes.