Sinn Féin members of the Oireachtas Committee on Gender Equality, Sorca Clarke TD, Réada Cronin TD and Senator Fintan Warfield, have welcomed the government’s commitment to holding a referendum later this year to replace the reference to ‘a woman’s place in the home’ in the constitution.

Teachta Clarke said:

“I welcome that the government has finally listened to calls to hold a referendum on this cleared outdated clause in the constitution. The wording in the constitution belongs to a different era, is insulting to women, and should have been changed long before now.

“The Citizens’ Assembly was very clear on its ask, and the Committee was united in its view that a constitutional referendum should be held in 2023. 

“The Committee put forward alternative wording options, and the government should review those options.

“It is vital that the phrase is replaced with appropriate wording, that promotes gender equality and reflects Ireland’s status as a modern, progress country that is committed to fairness for all our people. We will work to ensure that any phrasing is inclusive and appropriate.”

Teachta Cronin said:

“This change is long overdue. Careful and thoughtful consideration of the replacement phrasing must take place. It has long been clear that the ‘woman’s place in the home’ reference in the constitution has not, for generations, reflected the role of women in Ireland.

“Sinn Féin have been clear that the existing phrase must be replaced with language that is not gender specific but that also obliges the government to take reasonable measures to support care within the home and wider community.”

Seanadóir Warfield said:

“The existing phrasing is clearly out of step with the reality of the diverse households we see in Ireland today. 

“Changing this language is an opportunity to reflect how Ireland has changed for the better. I welcome this change. Sinn Féin will work closely to ensure that replacement wording is inclusive, fair and has equality at its heart.”