Author: Sorcha Ní Fhaoláin
Government wording has ensured that there will be no winners from this referendum, regardless of the outcome.
Almost as soon as the referendum was announced, the Far Right aimed their campaign directly at a tiny minority who have no political representation and no public voice.
Trans women were accused of wanting to erase Mothers from the constitution.
Social media and Posters screamed that the government were attempting to Cancel women for ‘Gender Ideology’ and the ’Trans Agenda’.
Posters of ‘Real Women’ and ‘Mammies’ captured a huge following including Far Right political parties, christian extremists, traditionalists , and people who were confused as to what the referendum was about.
People who had never engaged before on Trans issues were suddenly picking a side against Trans people for the first time.
Some balance was added when the Left finally engaged.
Almost all groups universally but reluctantly called for a Yes/Yes vote.
The importance of the referendum can’t be dismissed.
In the past, constitutional change has resulted in changes to public attitudes and societal norms, most evident after referendums on Abortion and Marriage Equality.
However, in the run up to the Referendum many feminist groups (Including my own) were swayed towards calling for a Yes/No vote after engaging with disability groups and activists.
And how could they not – disability rights are a feminist issue.
Their argument that the referendum could enshrine the burden of care to be at ‘home in the family’ into our constitution is a real concern.
This has set disability and gender equality concerns against each other.
Despite my reservations, I still believe a Yes vote in both referendums is the only way forward.
It is a step forward, albeit a tiny step forward.
A yes vote enables campaigners on both Gender Equality and Care to fight for laws and investment.
A No vote could see the end of any reforms for LGBTQIA+ or disability rights in a country that is rapidly moving politically towards the Right.
A No vote on either referendum, empowers the movement that had no hesitation in making a minority their focus of hate , as they feign concern for women and children.
Vote Yes / Yes on March 8th.
Sorcha Ní Fhaoláin
Intersex, Trans, Feminist Activist
