'All Children Are Equal'

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | feature Tuesday April 06, 2004 21:13 by redjade

But if Michael Has His Way - Some Will Be More Equal Than Others

It was announced today (6th April) after a Cabinet meeting that the proposed 'Citizenship' referendum will indeed be held on the same day as the European and Local Elections. Shortly before the announcement was made a protest took place at the Progressive Democrat Offices against what is widely percieved as an attempt to introduce the race card into the upcoming elections. Speaking on behalf of the Campaign Against The Racist Referendum, Mark Grehan made it clear that the referendum will face fierce resistance:

“This referendum is not progressive but a backwards step. It is an attack on the rights of children, and a blatant attempt to divert attention from the failed policies of this government. We believe all children should be treated equally as advocated by the 1916 Proclamation. It is unacceptable to discriminate against children based on who their parents are or where their parents come from. We are calling on the Progressive Democrats to withdraw this vicious and unwarranted attack on the rights of Irish children.

There is a growing consensus that if this referendum goes ahead it should not be held at the same time as the local and European elections. Since the foundation of the State all children born here have been entitled to citizenship. Any attempt to withdraw this right from children, should be exposed to rigorous public examination. There is not enough time between now and June 11th to have a full and open debate. It is outrageous that government should even consider rushing through such fundamental changes to the rights of Irish children. The PD’s and Fianna Fáil signed a pledge on International Day Against Racism promising not to play the race card during the elections. The proposed referendum makes a mockery of this pledge.”

Campaign Against Racist Referendum Mailing List
Account of Recent Meeting Establishing Campaign Against Racist Referendum
Original Call for Coalition against Referendum
Sinn Fein are against the Referendum
Labour objections to the timing of the Referendum

Click on the 'Feature Continued' link below for a Photo-Essay and fuller report on the Protest at the PD Offices.

{ photos by redjade } (c)

Campaign Against The Racist Referendum
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AgainstTheRacistReferendum