On Tuesday, Irish rock band U2 tweeted in support of relaxing Ireland’s famously strict abortion laws:
Vote on May 25th pic.twitter.com/jiCVZvfJuH
— U2 (@U2) May 1, 2018
Later this month, Ireland will hold a landmark referendum to retain or repeal the 8th amendment to the Irish Constitution, which protects unborn children’s right to life.
An excerpt from the amendment, passed in 1983, reads:
“The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.”
Up until now, abortion has been totally banned in Ireland, with zero exceptions for cases of rape, incest or fetal abnormalities.
After a bill to hold the referendum passed the Seanad (Irish Senate) earlier this year, the Irish government announced that voting will take place on Friday, May 25.
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Many Twitter users voiced their disappointment in U2’s tweet, with some noting the inconsistency between their political stance on abortion and their purported Christian faith.
Pretty disappointed of you guys ?
— Rodrigo Mañón (@_rmanon) May 1, 2018
Because they promote Christian values and this doesn’t seem one in any way…
— Rodrigo Mañón (@_rmanon) May 1, 2018
unfollowing one of my (former) favorite bands
— Mike Scott (@osomike) May 1, 2018
In the name of death. https://t.co/iyytHRL0It
— Joshua Mercer (@joshuamercer) May 2, 2018
Et tu, U2?#savethe8th https://t.co/9P2uCjj3Vf
— Catherine Hadro (@CatSzeltner) May 2, 2018
This breaks my heart. I have loved and followed you for 20 years. I still love you but I can’t follow you down this road. My tickets to upcoming shows will go unused.
— Christy (@ChristyRae2013) May 1, 2018
“This breaks my heart,” wrote one user. “I have loved and followed you for 20 years. I still love you but I can’t follow you down this road. My tickets to upcoming shows will go unused.”
According to the Irish Sun, the band won’t actually be able to vote in the referendum, as it overlaps with their tour. Still, their endorsement of repealing the amendment is likely to carry weight with their millions of fans across the world.