The Government’s proposed “care” amendment would deny disabled people’s “autonomy, dignity and equality” [1], according to a new group formed to campaign for a No vote.
Speaking to media yesterday, Ann Marie Flanagan of Equality Not Care said the amendment “seeks to deny us the right to state support such as personal assistance services”.
“What is required is constitutional obligations to provide support services to enable everyone to participate in economic, social and cultural life,” Ms Flanagan said.
“The vast majority of carers are women. The replacement wording removes any mention of economic rights and denigrates the dignity of the family,” she told reporters.
Dr Margaret Kennedy, who lives with a neuromuscular disease, added: “When I first read the article, I was absolutely appalled. It places the responsibility on families to look after, care for those who are sick, disabled or old. If the Yes vote wins, it will enshrine in this Constitution, that the family is responsible for my life. I won’t have a say. I see this article as another attack against disabled people’s rights.”