This week, the Irish Prime Minister acknowledged the Irish Republic’s responsibility in the Magdalen convents affair. A damning report pointed the finger at the role of the State, which allegedly supported these establishments from 1922 until 1996.
As a reminder, these Magdalene convents (also known as Magdalene Launderies) were establishments where over 10,000 women were confined, accused of immorality or loose morals (many having become pregnant out of wedlock). All were condemned to spend the rest of their lives in these convents, obliged to live under religious authority, and to work for free in one of the 10 laundries set up within the buildings. Numerous testimonies from victims have reported numerous cases of mistreatment…
In response to a report published this year, Irish Prime Minister Endaka Kenny apologized and condemned the state’s involvement in these convents:“I am sorry for the people who have lived in such an environment.”, he declared, addressing the victims. “The State has a duty to provide them with the best possible support.“.
It is estimated that between 800 and 1000 women lived in these convents, and are still alive today. Many protested as soon as they were discharged, to lift the veil on the abuse they had suffered. A 2002 film inspired by these events, The Magdalene Sisters, provoked a veritable controversy as soon as it was released.
In any case, Enda Kenny’s apology sounds like a real awakening on the part of Ireland, which had hitherto always denied its involvement, claiming that the Magdalene convents were private institutions.
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