The same year women invaded the all-male 40ft swimming spot in Dublin, a bill was proposed to help 'unmarried mothers' claim child support. It was defeated. One senator warned it would be dangerous in a climate of 'strident and even vengeful feminism'. https://www.rte.ie/archives/2019/0618/1055965-women-invade-male-bathing-resort/

In 1974, the law was changed to allow 'illegitimate' children to be adopted without their mother's consent, often through religious-run institutions. The Minister for Justice said 'adoption is better for the illegitimate baby than to be cared for by its mother'. #RepublicofShame

There I am, a woman born to unmarried parents only months after illegitimacy was finally abolished in Ireland, jumping into what was the men-only 40ft in Dublin. Go raibh míle to the mná who invaded it.

Will speak about #RepublicofShame and the ongoing legacy of Ireland's de-facto theocracy alongside some brilliant women on Thursday: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/republic-of-shame-readings-with-special-guests-tickets-114070333438