Hozier calls for Yes vote in same-sex marriage referendum

Musician says those wishing to live in nation that does not discriminate should vote

Singer songwriter Hozier has filmed a video backing a Yes vote in the same sex marriage referendum. Above, the Wicklow born musician is pictured  performing at  the Rock-en-Seine music festival  near Paris. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images.
Singer songwriter Hozier has filmed a video backing a Yes vote in the same sex marriage referendum. Above, the Wicklow born musician is pictured performing at the Rock-en-Seine music festival near Paris. Photograph: Bertrand Guay/AFP/Getty Images.

Wicklow singer-songwriter Hozier has filmed a video backing a Yes vote in the same sex marriage referendum.

“It’s time for our generation to stand up and take into our own hands the future of our nation and its values,” he said.

The video, part of Straight Up For Equality’s “Do Something” campaign, encourages young people vote Yes on May 22nd.

In the video, Hozier says: "It's imperative that the straight community shows support for the LGBT community on this issue, and makes a clear statement that we value the equal treatment of people on our shores.

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“To anyone in my generation, like me, who feels that their values have long gone unrepresented by the word of law, and want to be proud to live in a nation that does not discriminate or implicitly condemn, I strongly encourage you to vote,” he said.

“So, to anyone who feels that the love between two people is not to be belittled or othered or developed or undermined, I would encourage you to vote.”

Hozier says that “anyone who is tired of the sophistry, fear-mongering, or the outright deception of those who under the guise of ‘traditional family values’ promote an irrational aversion to same-sex marriage or relationships” should get out and vote.

“And to anyone in my generation, like me, who feels that their values have long gone unrepresented by the word of law, and want to be proud to live in a nation that does not discriminate or implicitly condemn, I strongly encourage you to vote. Thank you.”

In March, Hozier criticised Senator Fidelma Healy Eames for her stance on same sex marriage on Twitter.

Colin Farrell, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Amy Huberman, Kodaline, The Script, Second Captains, Maeve Higgins, Donal Skehan and the Rubberbandits, are among the names who have pledged support to the Straight up for Equality campaign.