Senator Higgins congratulates "tireless" activists on historic equality vote for Northern Ireland

Canvassing with Together For Yes campaigners in Clare
Canvassing with Together For Yes campaigners in Clare

The House of Commons voted today to advance marriage equality and abortion access in Northern Ireland if no assembly is formed by October 21st. 

Senator Higgins said in relation to the vote "This vote is an important and historic step towards marriage equality and abortion rights in Northern Ireland and is the result of the tireless work of activists who have fought for this progress for years".

Senator Higgins continued, "Although the vote does not guarnatee that marriage equality and abortion rights will be legislated for for people in Northern Ireland it does provide a positive and realistic path forward."

Senator Higgins had previously worked with Stella Creasy M.P., who brought forward today's amendments, to highlight the lack of access to abortion in Northern Ireland. 

In 2018, Ms. Creasy called for an urgent debate on abortion access in Northern Ireland following the vote to repeal the eighth amendment. Senator Higgins, and others, co-wrote a letter with Ms. Creasy to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Prime Minister Therea May drawing their attention to the commitment to human rights equivalence under the Good Friday Agreement and the need for reproductive rights to come within this framework. 

As a member of the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights Alice-Mary has been amplfying the work of those throughout Europe who are working to expand and protect reproductive rights. 

"Since Ireland voted overwhelminglyto chose support over silence in expanding access to abortion services last May, we have an important role to play globally in sharing our experience and supporting others around the world in their struggle. Today's vote in relation to Northern Ireland again sends out an important signal to the world that women's rights must be respected and protected and that the work of activists for justice and equality is vitally important. 

 

More Stories

Senator Higgins highlights inequalities in education arising from COVID-19

Over the last number of weeks, I have been corresponding with the Minister for Education and Skills on issues raised by Covid 19 at every level of our education system. This crisis has deepened inequalities already faced by many students, I have called for particular action on the difficulties faced by students in direct provision. I have also pressed for a ‘no detriment’ policy and policies that ensure real opportunity and choice for all leaving cert students. In a time of emergency we cannot allow vulnerable communities to be left behind -  I have also highlighted the challenges faced by Ireland’s research sector and called for more flexible and ambitious funding across science and the humanities, including more public-public research. The collective challenges we will face in terms of society, culture, economy and environment over the coming months and years will require research of many different kinds. The Irish Research Council funding for research on the Sustainable Development Goals is one example of a project which could and should be scaled up as we try to ensure future resilience and sustainability. Education can and must be an accessible and enriching social good. 

Lastly, as part of the wider reimagining of our public spaces, I have called for an investment in better cycling and pedestrian infrastructure around our schools to ensure that safe and sustainable transport is an option for more families next September. 

Failure to address glaring inequality on pensions in Budget 2018 is indefensible - Government must face up to its responsibilities towards older women

Senator Alice-Mary Higgins seeks special debate on gender and equality aspects of Budget 2018

Senator Higgins said “The failure to address this glaring inequality on pensions in Budget 2018 is indefensible, particularly given Government promises on gender and equality proofing of the budget. I am calling on Pascal Donohoe to allocate additional funds to address this before the Finance and Social Welfare Bills pass through the Oireachtas. Senator Higgins has also called for a special Seanad debate on gender and equality aspects of Budget 2018, in particular the failure to address the glaring pension inequality within the contributory state pension system.