Irish rock band U2 has disappointed legions of fans after admitting its pro-abortion stance. In posts across all its social media accounts, the band shared an image in favor of the repeal of Ireland's Eighth Amendment, as the country moves to vote on the abortion referendum on Friday, May 25.
U2 fans on Twitter had a divided reaction on the band's public call to repeal the law. Some applauded the band for their stance while many also expressed their disappointment and moved to unfollow the legendary band.
"I have loved and followed you for 20 years. I still love you but I can't follow you down this road," one fan wrote in the replies. "[U2] promotes Christian values and this doesn't seem one in any way," another fan said.
In 1983, Ireland approved the inclusion of the Eighth Amendment in its Constitution, which acknowledges the protection of the rights of the unborn child. Faith groups and other activist groups have been campaigning against the abortion in the run-up to the referendum.
Surveys, however, showed that the vote to repeal the Eighth Amendment has been gaining the lead as the referendum date draws closer. If that happens, the Irish government must legalize abortion.
U2 made known its pro-abortion stance on the eve of the launch of its "eXPERIENCE & iNNOCENCE tour" in the U.S. Incidentally, the band will open the tour in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a staunchly conservative state.
"I think it will ruffle a few feathers," guitarist the Edge told the Irish Mirror on what fans can expect. "We have a history of issues we are interested in like equality and injustice and I don't want to talk too much about the show but there is quite a lot of content there."
On the matter of the referendum, Edge said that he's aware abortion can be a divisive topic. He believes, however, that repealing the Irish amendment is "the smart thing to do."
