This is the moment the Dáil passed X Case legislation

The vote result was met with a smattering of applause in the Chamber at about 12.30am this morning.

http://youtu.be/JGs4bfYrSjk

IT HAS BEEN 21 years since the country was divided by the X Case court hearings, and the issues it brought up continue to cause stress factors in the makeup of Irish society.

Despite the continuing controversies, in the early hours of this morning, the country’s TDs passed a Bill through the Final Stage to legislate for the Supreme Court ruling in that case, which involved a 14-year-old girl pregnant as a result of rape.

The legislation passed on a vote of 130 to 24.

The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill 2013 will now be debated in the Seanad before being sent to the President to be signed into law.

It will mark the first time that legal abortions in certain, specific circumstances will be enshrined into Ireland’s laws.

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More