Ireland to vote on expanding rights for children

DUBLIN (AP) -- Ireland's government is asking voters to insert stronger rights for children into the constitution, a measure designed to make it easier for state agencies to protect children from abuse and for neglected kids to be adopted.

But the campaign to secure a "yes" vote in Saturday's referendum has taken a last-minute surprise hit from the Irish Supreme Court.

The five-judge court ruled that the government's information booklet urging a "yes" vote, mailed to every household in this country of 4.6 million, was not fully accurate and violated referendum laws. The government apologized but urged voters still to vote yes.

All opinion polls indicate voter approval for the measure, in part because of Ireland's scandal-plagued record on child protection to date. Those opposed say it would strip parents of rights.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)