Formation of the Married Women’s Association, 1938
The Married Women’s Association (MWA) was the first pressure group of the twentieth century to demand, as its core focus, legal and economic equality for spouses. Formed in 1938, the MWA emphasised the language of equal partnership in marriage and … Read more
Matrimonial Causes Act 1937
The Matrimonial Causes Act 1937 extended the grounds for divorce so that both women and men could end their marriage on the basis of desertion or cruelty, in addition to the existing single ground of adultery. Section 2 provided that … Read more
Ministry of Health Memorandum 153/MCW, 1930
In July 1930, ‘responding to a widespread and responsible demand’, the Ministry of Health issued Memorandum 153/MCW permitting Local Authorities to give birth control advice to married women for whom a further pregnancy would be detrimental to health. Having regard … Read more
Age of Marriage Act 1929
Section 1 of the Age of Marriage Act 1929 (1929 Act) stated that ‘A marriage between two persons either of whom is under the age of sixteen shall be void’. It created an equal age of consent to marriage for … Read more
Adoption of Children Act 1926
The Adoption of Children Act 1926 was the first legislation enabling the legal adoption of children in England and Wales, with equivalent legislation passed in Ireland in 1929 and in Scotland in 1930. While it had general benefit, especially to … Read more
Guardianship of Infants Act 1925
The Guardianship of Infants Act 1925 was a significant step, both in the long march of married women towards equal rights over their children and in the recognition of the importance of the welfare of children when making decisions about … Read more
Matter of an Application of Judicial Review by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission [2015]
This case established that the abortion legislation in Northern Ireland breached Article 8 of the ECHR by failing to provide an exception to the prohibition on abortion in cases of a fatal foetal abnormality (at any time during the pregnancy) or where the pregnancy is the result of sexual crime (up to the date when the foetus is capable of existing independently of the mother).
Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013
The Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 was the first statute to regulate the provision of abortion in Ireland.
Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 seeks to protect individuals forced into marriage without their consent.
White v White [2000]
White v White introduced the equal sharing principle in property division on divorce.
Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1995
The Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1995 repealed the constitutional prohibition of divorce in Ireland.
Health (Family Planning) Act 1979
The Health (Family Planning) Act 1979 regulated the importation and provision of contraception in Ireland
Davis v Johnson [1978]
Davis v Johnson gave judicial recognition of domestic violence and enforcement of Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976 against home-owners.
The opening of the first Refuge (1971)
The first Refuge opened by Women’s Aid in Chiswick, London offered a place of security and shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence
National Health Service (Family Planning) Act 1967
The National Health Service (Family Planning) Act 1967 enabled local authorities to give family planning advice to all women regardless of marital status.
Abortion Act 1967
The Abortion Act 1967 permitted abortion in England and Wales in certain circumstances.
Matrimonial Causes Act 1923
The Matrimonial Causes Act 1923 equalised the grounds for divorce for men and women.
Maternity and Child Welfare Act 1918
The Maternity and Child Welfare Act 1918 obliged local authorities to set up maternal and child welfare clinics.
British Nationality Act 1948
The British Nationality Act 1948 conferred on women the same right as men to retain or change their nationality on marriage.
Married Women’s Property Act 1882
The Married Women’s Property Act 1882 gave married women ability to own and manage property independently of their husbands.
Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act 1857
The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act 1857 introduced civil divorce and separation.
Married Women’s Property Act 1964
The Married Women’s Property Act 1964 established that housekeeping money belongs jointly to husband and wife.
Radmacher v Granatino [2010]
Radmacher v Granatino recognised a pre-nuptial agreement between the parties, while noting women’s potential unequal bargaining position.
R v Jackson (1891)
R v Jackson abolished husband’s legal entitlement to compel a wife to live with him and to use physical force against her.
Barclays Bank v O’Brien [1993]
Barclays Bank v O’Brien gave protection to wives from undue influence by husbands in obtaining mortgages.