David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I said to Senator Mullen the last time this came up ten or 15 year ago, "When was the last time you took one of these to a cinema?" That is the kind of question that has to be asked if they are fully human. One would not be taking them to the theatre or taking them to the zoo. One cannot do that. I also said during a previous debate that I was damn glad that I was not heterosexual or married to any of the old hypocrites who spoke against these rights and said that their wives were equal to a fertilised egg the size of a pinhead. I would divorce that person immediately. I would have nothing whatever to do with him. How outrageous that they would say somebody they loved, who was living with them, sharing jokes and going on the bus with them was equal to something the size of a pinhead. Come on; let us live in the real world.

The referendum needs to be won and it needs to be articulated. It is important for us in this democracy but there is a substantial obligation on the Government to explain it to the people because they will not understand that a 12 week abortion system is necessary. This will be presented as free range abortion or abortion on demand by the other side. It is no such thing. It is about looking after the health and well-being of Irish citizens and that is what we, as an Oireachtas, ought to support. I am firmly and fully in favour of a referendum for the people. They should have a voice on this matter. It is a contentious matter but I believe that in all humanity they can be persuaded and they will vote to address this sad situation. Nobody feels that they are not fully human unless they have an abortion. Nobody regards it as a positive thing, but it is something which in particular circumstances is by far the best outcome for the citizen. I congratulate the Government and Senators Buttimer and Noone on their chairing of various committees that have dealt with this issue in one way or another. I am sure the House will vote to allow a referendum. I believe the people will show their decency, their humanity and their courage by voting to allow women to address this sad situation with reality.