On November 28, 1995, 50.28% of Irish voters voted in favor of lifting a ban on what?

In a vote that revealed a nation deeply divided, Irish citizens narrowly chose to overturn a constitutional ban on divorce in late November 1995. The final tally was incredibly close, with the "Yes" campaign winning by a margin of just over 9,000 votes out of 1.6 million cast. This razor-thin victory, with 50.28% in favor, marked a pivotal moment in the country's social and political evolution.

The prohibition against divorce had been enshrined in Ireland's 1937 Constitution, which was heavily influenced by the teachings of the Catholic Church. For nearly 60 years, couples could obtain a legal separation, allowing them to live apart, but they could not dissolve their marriage and were therefore unable to remarry. A previous attempt to lift the ban in a 1986 referendum had been overwhelmingly defeated, making the 1995 result all the more significant.

The successful referendum led to the Fifteenth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland. It was a landmark decision that signaled a major shift in Irish society, reflecting changing attitudes and a move towards a more secular and liberal state. Following the vote, legislation was passed allowing for divorce after a required period of separation, fundamentally altering family law in the country.