News Exercise #238

This topic may not be important internationally, but it is a strong sign that Ireland, the strictest of all Catholic countries, is gradually becoming free of the outdated Catholic rules that have been imposed on non-Catholics.

1. What was the number of votes in favour of the abortion law repeal>
2. what has made this referendum to be historic?
3. What did the “Irish Taoiseach” party leader say in his statement?
“I said this was a _______, but I believe we have voted to_______. We voted to _______, and ______. And we voted to _______.”
4. Why is there a shrine to Savita Halappanavar?
5. What has the younger generation started doing in Ireland?

Answers:
1. What was the number of votes in favour of the abortion law repeal?
1,429,981
2. what has made this referendum to be historic?
It had drawn the biggest youth vote in Irish history.
3. What did the “Irish Taoiseach” party leader say in his statement?
“I said this was a once-in-a-generation vote, but I believe we have voted today for the next generation. We voted to look reality in the eye, and we did not blink. And we voted to provide compassion where there was once a cold shoulder.”
4. Why is there a shrine to Savita Halappanavar?
She dies in 2012 after being refused an abortion. It is thought that her suffering brought Ireland to this crossroads.
5. What has the younger generation started doing in Ireland?
“A younger, more liberal generation has seized the agenda, rejecting some of Ireland’s older and more conservative values.”