Two referendums are suggesting to amend the Irish Constitution to redefine the term of "the family" and the role of women within it. Irish citizens are called to the polls on the 8th of March, International Women's Rights Day.
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00:00 Since 1937 the Irish Constitution always recognised the family as being based on marriage only.
00:07 However, the Irish Government now wants to acknowledge same-sex, cohabiting and single-parent families with equal status.
00:14 Plans to also recognise carers in the home is seen by some as a constitutional move long overdue.
00:22 We in Labour are asking for a yes/yes vote on both referendums.
00:25 On the family referendum we want to see a yes vote to create a more inclusive definition of family beyond that just on marriage
00:32 because we know that recognises the reality of the wonderful diversity of family life in Ireland today.
00:37 And on the care referendum we want to vote yes to that to delete the sexist and outdated language about women and mothers
00:44 and to replace it with a gender neutral provision that for the first time will recognise and value care in our society.
00:50 The second referendum on care in the home promises that the Government will strive to make provision for those who look after loved ones.
00:57 One expert on Irish law says both referendums are legally flawed.
01:02 Well these two referendums will have the following effects.
01:05 Firstly they will change the definition of family from a family based on marriage to a family based on marriage or what is termed other durable relations.
01:15 But that term has not been clarified and it means different things in European law
01:20 and is completely uncertain as to the consequences it will have for the Irish constitution.
01:26 In relation to the second referendum it's to amend the same article but to remove from that article
01:33 the references to giving special protection to women who want to remain in the home as parents
01:40 and who should not be forced against their wishes to work outside the home due to economic necessity.
01:46 The Government's intention is to modernise constitutional law that was put in place in 1937
01:52 when Ireland was a much more religious and conservative place.
01:56 Voter turnout for these two referendums is expected to be low due to apathy and a sense of confusion.
02:03 If one or both referendums are rejected then the people of Ireland will probably have to go to the polls again in the coming years.
02:10 This is Ken Murray for Euronews in Dublin.
02:13 [WHOOSH]