Plaque: Suffrage
Pledge of Saint-Gilles, 1890 - 1990
Homage to the fight for the universal suffrage, 1 man = 1 vote
Charles Picque Magda de Galan
Original inscription:
SERMENT DE SAINT-GILLES
1890 - 1990
HOMMAGE A LA LUTTE POUR LE
SUFFRAGE UNIVERSEL
1 HOMME = 1 VOIX
Charles PICQUE Magda DE GALAN
We think that to describe one half of the adult population as "the universe" is somewhat inexact. But accepting that common definition, universal suffrage was achieved in Belgium in 1918 with the other half achieving partial suffrage 1 year later and full suffrage in 1948 (1918 for the UK and 1920 for the USA). It is possible that the date of 1890 given on this memorial refers to suffrage in local elections (the 50% universe, of course). We imagine that the two named politicians were present at the inauguration ceremony.
Site: Suffrage (1 memorial)
1190, Forest Park, near the place de Rochefort entrance
Go to map of other memorials in this area