May 21, 2015 (DignitatisHumanae.com) — Ireland will tomorrow become the first country to use a national referendum to allow same-sex “marriage”, posing a probable threat to religious freedom in the country if the electorate vote “Yes.”
Although the government plans to protect the right of churches not to celebrate same-sex “marriage”, this will appear only in legislation and not in the Constitution.
This leaves open the possibility of a same-sex couple taking the matter to court and winning the case, as the Constitution will have no protections for the Church if it refuses to officiate the ceremony.
In addition to this, and the obvious threat to the traditional family a “Yes” vote would present, European Dignity Watch has pointed out that the debate leading up to tomorrow's referendum has been anything but fair.
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All of Ireland's publicly-funded political parties have actively campaigned for a “Yes” vote and used heavy handed tactics to ensure their members tow the party line, threatening them with expulsion if they don't.
The country's media has been overwhelmingly in favor of the “Yes” campaign, and ignored a Supreme Court ruling that both sides of the debate be given equal coverage.
Large multinationals employing many people in Ireland, such as Facebook and eBay, have told their employees to vote “Yes” and campaign for such a result on social media.
Wealthy donors have helped fund the “Yes” campaign, including a foreign billionaire – despite such funding being illegal under Irish electoral law. The Irish government has so far not reacted to this breach.
Ireland's police are also actively supporting the “Yes” campaign, allowing police stations to be used for photo opportunities.
The Dignitatis Humanae Institute is greatly concerned by the threat a “Yes” vote presents.
“We call on all people who believe man is created in the image and likeness of God to do whatever they can to ensure a “No” vote succeeds,” said DHI Chairman Luca Volontè. “As this is a referendum, the result will carry more weight than parliamentary legislation. The consequences of a “Yes” vote would therefore be disastrous for Ireland.”
He added: “Given the limited time and the huge financial resources behind the “Yes” campaign, the best courses of action at this stage are fervent prayer, and the intercession of St. Patrick.”
Reprinted with permission from the Dignitatis Humanae Institute.