The Irish government conceded on Saturday that it had lost two referenda to change what it called “sexist” language in the constitution in an embarrassing defeat.
Ireland went to the polls on Friday in votes deliberately timed to coincide with International Women’s Day to replace two constitutional references.
One said that the the family unit was “founded” on marriage, the other that a woman supports the Irish state through “her life within the home.”
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Saturday afternoon said it was clear that the referenda had not passed.
“I think it’s clear at this stage, that the family amendment and the care amendment referendums have been defeated,” Varadkar said at a press conference in Dublin.
Official results for both votes are expected to be announced separately later on Saturday.
