Simon Coveney’s plans for a two thirds majority lock on new abortion laws is unconstitutional according to opposition TDs. The Tánaiste floated the idea at this morning’s cabinet meeting. Simon Coveney wants to see a two thirds lock on new abortion laws if the 8th amendment is repealed.
That would mean two thirds of the Dáil and Seanad would need to approve any further changes to abortion legislation. It’s part of a bid to stop any further sliding towards more liberal laws, if the government’s current plans get approval.
Both the Iona Institute and Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy have claimed the idea would be unconstitutional. The constitution says that all votes in each house of the Oireachtas shall be determined by a simple majority of voters present, unless there’s an article in the constitution saying otherwise.
Health Minister Simon Harris has said he’s open to considering the idea. But it seemingly faces an uphill battle to be approved.
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