OPPONENTS TO THE same sex marriage referendum and the children’s rights referendum are once again coming out against the ‘yes’ results.
First Families First founders John Waters, Kathy Sinnott and Gerry Fahey say recent foster care sexual abuse allegations bear out their “worst fears” as expressed in the lead-up to both referendums.
First Families First say recent foster care abuse allegations “underline the accuracy of their claim” that the constitutional changes would have the effect of disempowering the natural parents of children in care.
Another referendum
The group is holding a press conference this morning and says it wants to hold another referendum.
Gerry Fahey said First Families First wants to insert an amendment into the Constitution asserting the right of the child who has been separated from one or other parents to have contact and a relationship with that parent, if the child wants.
The 2012 Children’s Referendum, which was passed by 58% of voters, changed the Constitution to ensure the State took a child-centred approach to protecting children.
Among other things, it ensured that all children were given the same protection regardless of whether their parents were married or unmarried.
It also allowed children who have been in foster care for long periods the opportunity to be adopted if they wished.
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