Louisiana House Bill HCR23

Louisiana 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/8/13
• Engrossed: 4/8/13
• Report Pass: 5/15/13
• Passed: 5/20/13

Caption

Requests the U.S. government to take steps to support a united Ireland

Impact

If enacted, HCR23 could influence U.S. foreign policy regarding Ireland by encouraging official support for the reunification process. It urges the U.S. government to work alongside both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom in addressing the implications of unification. This resolution could also affect public discourse by raising awareness about the history and context of Ireland’s division, prompting discussions on how this issue impacts current geopolitical relations and the lives of Irish citizens.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 23 (HCR23) urges the United States government to take steps to support the unification of Ireland. It addresses the historical context of Ireland's partition, established by the Government of Ireland Act in 1920, which divided Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The resolution references the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, highlighting its role in creating a framework for political advancement toward reunification. By invoking this agreement, HCR23 emphasizes the potential benefits a unified Ireland would have for the peace and prosperity of the Irish people.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR23 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to promote peace and cooperation between the two regions of Ireland. Lawmakers voted unanimously in favor of the resolution, indicating a strong bipartisan agreement on the importance of pursuing unification. Such a consensus suggests that this issue resonates positively with many legislators, who view it not only as a historical righting but also as a pathway to improved conditions and rights for all Irish citizens.

Contention

Notably, while HCR23 has garnered solid support, there may be underlying contentions regarding the implementation of such a path toward unification, given the complex political landscape in Ireland. The resolution does not delve deeply into specific actions or address potential resistance from factions opposed to unification. This simplicity may overlook the diverse opinions within both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, indicating the need for widespread dialogue and study on unification's implications and necessary steps forward.