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Another legal muddle: Now the Irish language wording for the same-sex vote is being changed
“There’s probably a lesson to be learned from this, to be honest with you,” the Taoiseach said, confirming the move.
TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has announced the wording of the forthcoming same-sex marriage referendum As Gaeilge has been changed.
He said, however, that those proficent in Irish were “perfectly happy” with the first wording.
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Writing for the Irish Times last month, veteran journalist Bruce Arnold argued that uncertainty in the original wording of the text could ‘seriously threaten’ the Constitution.
According to Arnold…
The first part of the sentence makes two persons the joint subject of the right to marry. This is at odds with the concept of a collective right of two persons.
The Irish language version would “become the definitive textual source and reference point for a new right to marry” Arnold said.
Kenny said the new wording would give “better clarity”.
“There’s probably a lesson to be learned from this, to be honest with you,” the Taoiseach continued, suggesting that the person responsible for the Irish wording be present throughout the entire process.
The new wording hasn’t been released as yet.
Includes reporting by Hugh O’Connell.
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