If the referendums on Friday are defeated, it will be “seized on as a victory by those who want to slow or stall” progress, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned.
With mere days to go before the votes on Care and the Family, the Fine Gael leader said that the passage of the proposed amendments was important to ensure Ireland remains “on a pathway of liberalism.”
“A double ‘Yes’ vote will keep Ireland on a pathway of liberalism, tolerance and modernity following on from the ‘Yes’ votes for divorce, marriage equality and to repeal the 8th amendment,” he said.
“A No vote will be seized on as a victory by those who want to slow or stall our progress as a society.”
He went on to assert that the Constitution is not merely a legal document, but a reflection of societal values.
“In the final days before polling day, we must remember our constitution isn’t just a legal document,” he said.
“It’s also a statement of our values, how we see ourselves and others. This is about the Ireland we envision for ourselves and future generations, and it must be an inclusive, caring society.
“By voting ‘Yes’ for Family, we recognise diverse family structures – cohabiting couples, grandparents raising grandchildren, one parent families – as real families. It is a declaration that every person and every form of family deserves recognition.
“By voting ‘Yes’ for Care, we say that family care is not just the work of women or mothers, it should be shared by fathers and sons and that the state should do more to support it.”
The Taoiseach added: “It’s an important decision and I hope to see a good turnout on Friday.”
Moreover, Fine Gael Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, who is Director of Elections, also called for a ‘Yes’ vote to help society continue “moving forward.”
“As we enter this final week, I’m encouraging people to get out and vote Yes and Yes on Friday,” she said.
“By doing so, we are voting for an Ireland that cares, an Ireland that is inclusive, and an Ireland that is moving forward.”