Irish lawmakers reject ‘gender neutral’ referendum, mum remains the word
The Irish Government’s Wake-Up Call: Protecting the Role of Mothers
The Irish government has received a resounding wake-up call. After spending 24 million euros on an attempt to remove the word “mother” from the Constitution, they were dealt a swift defeat in a recent referendum. The proposed changes aimed to remove provisions that recognize and honor women’s service in raising the next generation.
“… the State recognizes that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved.”
“The State shall, therefore, endeavor to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labor to the neglect of their duties in the home.”
A “yes” result would have replaced this language with a gender-neutral alternative, but Irish mothers knew best. With a thundering 74% vote, they chose to protect the original wording of the constitution.
The pressures placed on mothers are unique. It’s she, having birthed the child in an experience that no man can replicate, who then navigates the delicate balance of work versus family. Irish mothers understand this, and the data supports their preference. Two-thirds of Irish moms would prefer to stay at home to parent full-time if they could afford it.
This sentiment is echoed across the West, with 56% of American moms and over a third of British moms agreeing that they’d prioritize child-raising over career advancement. Yet, the current model of feminism often stigmatizes this choice, pressuring women to rejoin the workforce as soon as possible after giving birth.
But what have we gained from this model? A plummeting birth rate, for one. The pressure on women to prioritize their careers has played a hand in the lowest birth rate in six decades. Women have been taught that their value depends on their GDP contribution, rather than their role in raising the next generation.
Western governments have focused on outsourcing childcare, rather than finding creative solutions to support women’s choices to prioritize parenting. Studies show that excessive time spent in outsourced daycare can have negative effects on children.
Furthermore, the commercialization of motherhood through practices like surrogacy downgrades the role of a pregnant mother to a mere “incubator.” The unique, feminine, nurturing role of a mother cannot be replaced by a thousand excellent dads.
Ireland is ahead of the rest of the West in acknowledging the irreplaceable role of mothers within their constitution. Now, it’s time to honor mothers with better work options and the ability to make an empowered choice to stay absent from the workforce for as long as necessary to raise their children.
The Irish government has talked about supporting ”choice,” and it’s time for them to support a woman’s choice to be a committed mom.
Lois McLatchie Miller is Senior Legal Communications Officer for Alliance Defending Freedom UK. Follow her: @LoisMcLatch
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
What policies and support systems should the Irish government implement to protect and empower mothers, including affordable childcare options, flexible work arrangements, and financial support for families
Rk either part-time or not at all, choosing instead to prioritize their role as mothers and caregivers.
The decision by the Irish government to attempt to remove the word “mother” from the Constitution was a slap in the face to these hardworking women. It disregarded the immense value and importance of their role in society, not only in the upbringing of their children but also in the stability and well-being of the nation as a whole.
Mothers play a crucial role in shaping the future generation. They are the ones who instill values, teach important life lessons, and provide a nurturing and loving environment for their children to grow and thrive. By recognizing and honoring this role, the Irish Constitution acknowledges the inextricable link between strong families and a strong nation.
The attempt to replace the language in the Constitution with a gender-neutral alternative was a misguided attempt at equality. It failed to take into account the unique experiences and responsibilities that mothers face. Mothers should not be forced into economic necessity or societal pressure that takes them away from their duties at home. They should have the choice and the support to prioritize their role as mothers without fear of neglecting their family.
The resounding “no” vote in the referendum was a clear message from Irish mothers that protecting the role of mothers is not only essential but non-negotiable. It highlighted the deep-rooted understanding and appreciation that Irish society has for the invaluable contribution that mothers make.
It is now time for the Irish government to take this wake-up call seriously and ensure that policies and support systems are in place to protect and empower mothers. This includes providing affordable and accessible childcare options, flexible work arrangements, and financial support for families. It also means recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of mothers in our society and valuing their role as the cornerstone of strong families.
Let this resounding defeat be a reminder to governments everywhere that the role of mothers should never be undermined or taken for granted. Mothers deserve our utmost respect, support, and protection. It is through their hard work and dedication that society thrives, and it is our duty to ensure that they are given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.
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