Dr Brian Tobin: Why marriage might no longer be the only basis of ‘family’

The referenda in March include a proposal to expand the definition of family to encompass ‘durable relationships’, such as single parenthood. Marriage will retain its special status, says Dr Brian Tobin

While marriage would retain a high degree of constitutional significance, it would no longer be the only relationship upon which a constitutional family could be founded.

THE Government has published the wording for the proposed referenda to amend Article 41 of the Constitution, with voting scheduled for March 8, 2024.

Among the proposals is the 39th Amendment, to extend the definition of ‘the family’ in Article 41.1.1 by inserting the words, ‘whether founded on marriage or on other durable relationships’.