Ireland, along with other Western countries, has voted against a resolution at the UN which recognises the importance of the family and commits States to protecting and supporting it.

Western countries voted against the resolution, which was passed, on the ground that it did not refer to ‘families’. However, Article 16 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights itself refers to the ‘family’, not ‘families’.

The resolution says that “the family has the primary responsibility for the nurturing and protection of children and that children, for the full and harmonious development of their personality, should grow up in a family environment and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.”

It states that “the family, as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children, should be afforded the necessary protection and assistance so that it can fully assume its responsibilities within the community.”

It reaffirms that “the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State”.

Article 16 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights says:

• (1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
• (2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
• (3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Ireland’s vote also seems to be against the Irish Constitution. The Constitution says the family is based on marriage and commits the State to guard marriage with special care.

The resolution was proposed by a coalition of non-Western countries.