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Irish prime minister concedes defeat in vote over woman’s role at home

Opponents argued that the wording of the changes was poorly thought out
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Counting in progress for the twin referendum to change the Constitution on family and care continues at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), in Dublin, Saturday, March 9, 2024. Ballots are being counted on two Irish constitutional amendments that would broaden the definition of family and remove language about a woman’s role in the home. (Damien Storan/PA via AP)

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar conceded defeat Saturday as two constitutional amendments he supported that would have broadened the definition of family and removed language about a woman’s role at home were headed toward rejection in early vote tallies.

Varadkar, who pushed the vote to enshrine gender equality in the constitution by removing “very old-fashioned language” and trying to recognize the realities of modern family life, said it was clear the amendments were “defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout.

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