Friday, July 07, 2006

Commitment to community what our ancient Brehon Law can teach us in today's Ireland - Tuam Herald

This wonderful article in the Unison newspaper in Ireland, had the following to say about Brehon Law:


Under the Brehon Laws women had more rights and protection than under any other western code of law until recent times. There was no 'glass ceiling' setting a limit on how high a woman could progress. They were political leaders, judges, physicians and led their people in battle. They were protected in law not just against rape but also against sexual harassment and discrimination. Were they to be hospitalised they would be supported by a sick benefit. They were not financially totally dependent on their partner and had an equal right to divorce.
It strikes me that this equalitarian freedom applied to women under Celtic law is something that our modern societies could learn from our ancestors. Seeing that these laws were created (or at least written down) at the time of Saint Patrick, there is a good chance that earlier Celtic views on Law are represented. I must find out more about Brehon Law.


Commitment to community what our ancient Brehon Law can teach us in today's Ireland - Tuam Herald

Slán

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