Dublin: Ireland is preparing for the Gender Neutrality (Equality) Referendum. Last March, the government announced plans to hold a referendum in November. The government and the Electoral Commission are planning adequate public awareness campaigns ahead of the referendum.
The referendum is open to all Irish citizens who have the right to vote in Ireland and whose names are on the register of voters, the postal voter list, or the special voter list.
Voting is by secret ballot. The title of the proposed bill shall be printed on the ballot, and the voter shall mark ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to express his or her opinion.
The referendum was recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly and the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality. Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the decision to hold referendums on each of the Citizens’ Assembly’s recommendations was evidence of the government’s commitment to the issue.
Prior to this, three referendums on general gender equality are held over a four-month period.
People will vote on issues such as gender equality, changing the definition of “family,” and amending the existing definition of “women’s place in the home.” The exact date in November has yet to be determined.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin agreed with Electoral Commission Chief Executive Art O’Leary that a major campaign was required in relation to the referendum.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the government has been deliberating on this issue at the cabinet subcommittee level for some time. The fundamental principles of the constitution, as well as the equal participation of the government and the parliamentary committee, must be guaranteed. Martin went on to say that the referendum’s goal isn’t just to remove certain provisions.
There are also indications that a referendum on water ownership and a constitutional referendum on redefining the constitutional right to housing will be held in the coming months.
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