Irish voters are participating in twin referendums on Friday, International Women's Day, to determine whether to amend the country's 87-year-old constitution and remove outdated and sexist passages. The referendums aim to delete a reference to women's domestic duties and expand the definition of the family.

The proposed changes have garnered support from both men and women, who argue that the amendments are necessary to address gender equality. However, there are concerns that the alterations may lead to unintended consequences, leading to confusion among some voters.

The first vote focuses on removing a reference to marriage as the foundation of the family, replacing it with a clause that recognizes families formed through other durable relationships. If passed, it would be the 39th amendment to Ireland's Constitution. The second amendment, proposed as the 40th amendment, seeks to eliminate the statement that assigns a woman's role in the home as a key support to the state and instead emphasizes the state's commitment to support care provided within families.

Ireland's Constitution, which dates back to 1937, has been subject to significant changes reflecting Ireland's evolution from a conservative, predominantly Roman Catholic nation to a more diverse and socially liberal society. Constitutional amendments in the past include the legalization of divorce in 1995, the approval of same-sex marriage in 2015, and the repeal of the abortion ban in 2018.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who announced the referendum on International Women's Day in 2023, highlights that the proposed amendments aim to remove outdated language and recognize the realities of modern family life. Varadkar, Ireland's first ethnic minority leader and who is in a same-sex relationship, emphasized the importance of enshrining gender equality in the constitution.

Opinion polls indicate significant support for the "yes" side in both referendums. However, as the polling day approaches, many voters still remain undecided. The campaign has been relatively less contentious than previous debates on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. Notably, Ireland's main political parties, including Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and Sinn Fein, have endorsed the proposed changes.

Both supporters and opponents of the amendments have presented arguments during the campaign. Supporters, who believe that women should not be confined to traditional gender roles, express their desire to modernize the constitution. However, opponents argue that the wording of the amendments lacks clarity and could lead to legal disputes.

Notably, the "no" vote campaign is led by Aontú, a traditionalist group that split from Sinn Fein due to disagreements over legalizing abortion. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín criticizes the vague wording of the changes and expresses concerns that people do not fully understand the implications of including "durable relationships" in the definition of marriage.

Other concerns raised include the potential reinforcement of harmful stereotypes related to care and the suggestion that disabled individuals may be viewed as burdens rather than individuals with rights. However, Varadkar reassures the public that the state will not evade its care responsibilities.

Voters, who can begin casting their ballots from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, will await the counting of ballots from each of Ireland's 39 constituencies, which will commence at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Results of the referendums are expected to be announced on Saturday afternoon or evening.

Irish citizens aged 18 and above, totaling approximately 3.3 million, are eligible to participate in these historical referendums that will shape the country's constitution and further progress towards gender equality.